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14th September 2023 (9 Topics)

Unified approach

Context:

Kerala is facing the Nipah Virus outbreak in the State and needs an integrated approach to healthwhich can prevent zoonotic spillover.

The Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kozhikode

  • Repeated Outbreaks: Kozhikode in Kerala is facing its fourth Nipah virus outbreak in five years, a zoonotic disease transmitted from fruit bats to humans.
  • Deadly Nipah infection: The recent outbreak has already claimed two lives, with three more individuals testing positive, sparking fears reminiscent of the deadly 2018 outbreak when 21 out of 23 infected individuals succumbed to the virus.
  • Concerns: Nipah virus still lacks a cure, and supportive care remains the sole treatment option, even within hospital settings.

Response Measures

  • Immediate Response: Kerala's Health Minister has initiated extensive medical observation of hundreds of people who came into contact with the deceased and formed containment teams to manage the outbreak.
  • Cross-border health approach: A central team has been dispatched to assist the State government, while neighboring states have taken precautions to prevent cross-border infections.
  • Steps taken: State government has ensured the people for integrated approach.

Need for a One Health Approach

  • Learning from Global Outbreaks: The recurring Nipah outbreaks underscore the role of anthropogenic activity, such as rapid agricultural expansion in fruit bat habitat zones, in zoonotic spillovers.
  • Balancing approach: The One Health concept, gaining prominence through the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes an integrated approach to balance the health of people, animals, and the environment, recognizing their interconnectedness.
  • Establishing Human-Animal Health linkage: Governments must adopt a One Health approach to prevent future outbreaks, acknowledging that human health is closely linked to the health of animals and the environment.
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