Nipah effect: Surveillance increased in Nilgiris, special ward in CMCH

Officials in Coimbatore and Nilgiris are on high alert as both of the districts share their borders with Kerala. In Coimbatore, an isolation ward has been set up in the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). 

A medical team will be available round-the-clock to treat those presenting symptoms of Nipah virus at the 20-bed special ward in the CMCH. 

“Though there is no record of anyone affected by Nipah virus in Tamil Nadu, these precautionary measures are being taken as a significant number of people travels between Coimbatore and Kerala,” said a senior doctor at the CMCH. 

Medical teams have been despatched to more than 10 check posts, including Walayar, to screen people entering Coimbatore with symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness, breathing trouble and disorientation. 

Similarly, Health Department staff have been deployed in Nadukani, Sholadi, Nambiyarkunnu and Kakkanalla check posts in the Nilgiris to sensitise tourists entering Ooty. Also, awareness initiatives have been taken up by distributing pamphlets among tourists entering the Nilgiris through Gudalur and Pandalur. 

The Health Department has urged people with symptoms to undergo treatment in government hospitals and not visit private medical facilities. 

A steady number of tourists are flocking to Ooty from Kerala, where Nipah virus is spreading, for the summer vacation. However, the Health Department has appealed to the public not to get panicked as there has been no reported case of the  deadly viral infection so far in Tamil Nadu.