Nipah Virus Outbreak

Nipah virus outbreak has been reported in Kerala State, India.

At least 15 people have died and several hospitalized following the outbreak of Nipah Virus.

The cases have been reported from Kozhikode , Malapurram, Wayanad and Kannur all districts in Kerala state. Kozhikode district has the highest number of reported cases. There have been reports of suspected cases in neighboring Karnataka state.

India Government Response

Government authorities have put Kerala state on high alert. Two “control rooms” in the worst-hit Kozhikode district have been set up to closely monitor the spread of the virus.

Experts from the New Delhi-based National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and a top hospital have been sent to the state to try and contain the outbreak.

The Ministry has been very quick in identifying and containing the disease effectively and all the hospitals in the area have been given very clear directives on how to prepare effectively for what may come next.

WHO Risk Assessment

WHO has not reported this outbreak as it is classified by India government as not major, but a local occurrence, which has been well managed.

Travel Advice

No travel advisories have been enforced on travel to or from India.

A state government statement said, “travelling to any part of Kerala is safe”, however if travelers wish to be extra conscious, they may avoid Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur districts.”

Screening at designated areas are currently underway for persons travelling within India.

ILRI Health and Safety Response

All concerns and queries regarding the Nipah Virus outbreak in India are to be addressed to EOHS at E.Khaemba and relevant Director.

Please contact relevant Director for approval of travel to and from Kerala State in India. Copy EOHS on all requests and Gail Amare at g.amare for travel to or from Ethiopia.

Travel to the affected districts thus Malapurram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode will require approval by Director General (DG) – ILRI.

Travelers from affected districts in India to ILRI campuses in Kenya and Ethiopia will require approval of DG ILRI.

The authorization for travel shall be communicated within 48 hours.

The situation will be monitored closely and relevant information shared.

Nipah Virus Facts

Regards

Ephy Khaemba| EOHS/ Research Compliance Manager
International Livestock Research Institute | ilri.org
Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya

Mobile: +254 721283322 | Off: +254 711033375 | Skype: <ephy.khaemba>

Email:E.khaemba

ILRI is a CGIAR research centre