Experiential learnings from the Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala towards containment of infectious public health emergencies in India
Rima R. Sahay, Pragya D. Yadav, Nivedita Gupta, Anita M. Shete, Chandni Radhakrishnan, Ganesh Mohan, Nikhilesh Menon, Tarun Bhatnagar, Krishnasastry Suma, Abhijeet Kadam, Padinjaremattathil Thankappan Ullas, Brijesh Kumar, AP Sugunan, V. K. Sreekala, Rajan Khobragade, Raman Gangakhedkar, Devendra T. Mourya
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak occurred in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India in 2018 with a case fatality rate of 91% (21/23). In 2019, a single case with full recovery occurred in Ernakulam district. We described the response and control measures by the Indian Council of Medical Research and Kerala State Government for the 2019 NiV outbreak. The establishment of Point of Care assays and monoclonal antibodies administration facility for early diagnosis, response and treatment, intensified contact tracing activities, bio-risk management and hospital infection control training of healthcare workers contributed to effective control and containment of NiV outbreak in Ernakulam.