Thiruvananthapuram, 24 Dec (H.S.): Following reports of avian influenza (H5N1) in parts of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has issued a public alert urging strict vigilance and adherence to preventive guidelines.
The Minister clarified that no human cases of avian influenza have been reported in Kerala so far. However, she stressed that precautionary measures are essential to prevent any possible spread. Field-level surveillance has been intensified, and the public has been urged to follow all advisories issued by the Health Department.
A State-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) meeting chaired by the Health Minister reviewed the situation and coordinated containment measures. The Health Department has issued special Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical guidelines to deal with avian influenza.
In the affected districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam, trained One Health Community Volunteers have been deployed to strengthen public awareness and support prevention efforts. District-level control rooms have been established to coordinate operations, and officials have been instructed to ensure the availability of medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other safety materials.
Health officials are closely monitoring residents in the affected areas for symptoms such as fever and other illness indicators. Those reporting high fever, severe body pain, cough, or breathing difficulties will be placed under special medical observation.
The public has been advised to immediately report any unusual or sudden deaths among birds to the Animal Husbandry Department. While avian influenza has been detected in mammals in some countries, no such cases have been reported in Kerala. Nonetheless, sudden deaths among mammals should also be reported to the authorities.
People have been strictly warned not to handle dead or infected birds. Consumption of only well-cooked meat and eggs has been advised. Individuals involved in handling raw poultry meat or bird waste as part of their occupation are at higher risk and must use protective gear such as masks and gloves. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat has been strongly discouraged.
Avian influenza, also known as avian flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds and can potentially spread to humans. Birds such as chickens, ducks, quails, geese, and turkeys are susceptible. Although no human infections have been reported in Kerala, the Health Department has emphasized the need for extreme caution among those who have close contact with poultry or infected birds.
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
