Surveillance increased against Nipah virus at western border

Dodhara Chandani (Kanchanpur), Feb 3: Surveillance has been increased at the western border checkpoints with India to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus in view of its detection in the neighbouring country India.

Vector Control Inspector of the Sudurpaschim Health Directorate, Hemraj Joshi, said that surveillance has been increased on travellers entering Nepal at five border points connected with India in Sudurpaschim Province.

According to him, monitoring is being carried out from health desks located at Gauriphanta and Khakaruna in Kailali, Khalanga in Darchula, Jhulgahat in Baitadi, and Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur.

"Precautions have been adopted at all health desks at the border check posts. Staff working at the health desks have also been oriented about the Nipah virus," Joshi said.

He stated that even the isolation wards established during the COVID-19 period are kept ready. Health workers say that since Nipah virus infection has been detected in West Bengal, India, the risk is higher at the eastern Nepalese borders than in western Nepal.

Dipendra Singh Rawal, head of the District Health Office, said that monitoring is being carried out through health desks set up at the border transit points on passengers showing symptoms of the infection.

"Health desk staff are monitoring individuals who develop fever while entering Nepal through the border. We collect swabs from individuals suspected of infection and send them to the Provincial Public Health Laboratory," Rawal added.

He stated that since the Nipah virus is transmitted through bats, pigs and infected persons, preventive measures have been implemented with special attention to these mediums.(RSS)