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The recent death of a man in Kerala due to the Nipah virus has prompted the health department in Karnataka to intensify its surveillance efforts. A team from the department’s disease surveillance unit has visited the institute where the deceased was affiliated, confirming that 32 students and staff attended his funeral. Three students reportedly visited the deceased during his hospitalization. The department has identified two primary contacts in Bengaluru who are currently asymptomatic.
The health department is taking precautionary measures by instructing staff and medical officers from the Chikkabanavara and Gopalpura primary health centers to continuously monitor primary and secondary contacts. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) project director, Dr. Ansar Ahmed, has emphasized the state's high alert status and the importance of preventative measures.
The deceased, who had returned to his hometown on August 25 due to a leg injury, developed a fever on September 5 and sought treatment at a local clinic. His condition worsened, and he exhibited symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) at a medical college hospital, ultimately passing away on September 8. As of Monday, none of his family members have displayed any symptoms, according to a health department source.
While expressing concern about the Nipah virus, Karnataka's health minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, assured the public that there is no need for panic. No suspected or confirmed cases have been reported in the state to date. Furthermore, individuals who attended the funeral in Kerala and have since returned to Karnataka have not exhibited any symptoms.