The Indian Medical Association’s six-member expert panel which investigated the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts has come out with a five-page report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Medical Association’s six-member expert panel which investigated the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts has come out with a five-page report on Saturday. According to IMA state secretary Dr N Sulphi, the report has been prepared based on the investigations at Sooppikkada, Perambra and the Taluk Hospital in Perambra where the case was admitted. The observations of veterinary epidemiologists, the expert team from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) and local people, after holding detailed discussions with them, were also taken into account.

Observations

1. Negative campaign by some people through social media had aggravated fear
2. Assumption is the source of the virus could be the fruit bats as it is the natural agent of Nipah virus
3. Epidemiological investigation has to continue till the identification of the primary source

Recommendations

1. Expedite the establishment of State Virology Institute proposed at Thiruvananthapuram.
2. Strengthen virology labs in all Government Medical Colleges in the state
3. Constitution of a Multi-disciplinary Epidemic Monitoring and Control Cell
4. A review team with experts concerned should be constituted to frame a policy to address emerging infectious disease in Kerala
5. Establish a ‘State Centre for Disease Control’ at par with the NCDC for routine surveillance of all the emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the state.
6. Provide round the clock ambulance facility with personal protection equipment to the ambulance crew