Nipah Virus Outbreak latest news: As Kerala continues to battle the latest outbreak of Nipah virus, educational institutes across the states are opting for preventive measures to keep the students safe from contracting the infection. So far, Kerala has reported 6 confirmed cases of Nipah virus. The latest educational institute that has announced online classes is the National Institute of Technology of Calicut. NIT, Calicut has now announced postponement of all upcoming exams that were scheduled for the week.
Considering the impact of Nipah virus, the authorities have shifted offline physical mode classes to online mode only. Meanwhile, the government has started mass testing and imposing isolation guidelines throughout the state. People who came in contact with infected people are being tested, including medical health professionals and 61 have tested negative so far. The state has already lost 2 lives due to delayed professional help. The NIT Calicut imposed the rule after a student’s complaint to the district collector for underestimating the situation of Kerala.
As per the instructions, the students and teachers are bound to these new guidelines. The authorities have ordered individuals who reside in contaminated zones to not enter the university premises without permit and take classes from home through online mode. Students and teachers are advised to follow isolation precautions like wearing mask, prevent entering closed areas, maintain social distancing, frequent sanitaisation of hands and to travel as less as possible.
In a related development, the Nipah virus outbreak has prompted strict orders for schools, universities, and other educational institutions in the Kozhikode region to remain closed. Beypore Harbour will suspend operations in the region till further notice because the state government has also established a clearly defined containment zone surrounding the location.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus has its root in two countries – Malaysia and Bangladesh – and the virus found in Kerala is identified as Indian Genotype or I-Genotype that is similar to Bangladesh genotype. The symptoms of Nipah virus are very much like viral fever and common cold which has made this virus to be identified. The Kerala government has imposed a double incubation period of 42 days in the state.