Measures stepped up along border checkposts to prevent spread of Nipah virus from Kerala

Nilgiris district takes preventative measures against Nipah virus spread from Kerala, monitoring border checkposts for symptoms and temperatures.

Following the death of a child in Malappuram in Kerala from the Nipah virus recently, the Nilgiris district administration and health department have stepped up preventative measures to ensure that chances for a spread of the virus to the district is minimized.

According to officials from the health department, border checkposts between Kerala and Tamil Nadu are being continuously monitored to prevent chances of a Nipah outbreak in Tamil Nadu. People travelling to the Nilgiris from Kerala are being checked for their body temperatures and any symptoms of the virus.

Officials said that a three-member team of the Health Department have been stationed in each of the border checkposts of Nadugani, Choladi, Pattavayal and Thaloor. Travellers in both private vehicles as well as public transport are being checked for symptoms before being allowed into the district, officials said. Officials also said they are being urged to wear masks prior to entry.