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Disaster Management
The SHSRC Kerala plays a crucial role in disaster management in Kerala., Kerala faced two significant incidents: the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode and a fire accident at the waste treatment plant in Brahmapuram, Ernakulam. Through technical expertise and ideal management, the state averted catastrophic situations. To evaluate the situation and prevent future conflicts, the Kerala Government conducted meetings and proposed strategies with the SHSRC Kerala.
The Nipah outbreak resurfaced in 2023 for reasons still unknown. In previous years, the outbreak was linked to bat infections, particularly in Kozhikode District. The presence of infected bats in Wayanad also heightens the risk of Nipah spread. The recurring outbreaks, possibly due to unclear transmission mechanisms and unidentified intermediate hosts, underscore the necessity for extensive and long-term research.
In response, the Health Department has been tasked to SHSRC Kerala with drafting a proposal to establish the Kerala One Health Center for Nipah Research (KOHCNR) in Kozhikode District. This center will conduct comprehensive and multidisciplinary research, surveillance, and management of Nipah virus infections in the state.
The main Objective of the Proposal on Nipah Virus have done by SHSRC Kerala is :
To identify and document the natural history of Nipah virus disease in the context of Kozhikode district
To identify the reasons for the repeated occurrence of the disease in Kozhikode district.
To identify and document the pathways of spill over causing Nipah virus disease in humans
To identify the existence any intermediate hosts in the chain of transmission from bats to humans.
To develop a surveillance system for Nipah Virus disease and enable early detection, prompt action and reduction in morality.
The main important mandate is to Surveillance and management of zoonotic disease Nipah is Centre for One Health – Kerala (COH-K). Hence, the overall management of the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research Centre (KOHCNR) shall vest with the responsibility of The Centre for One Health – Kerala. However, this centre shall work exclusively on Nipah virus so as not to lose priority.
In the first week of March 2023, a fire outbreak was reported at the Brahmapuram waste plant, resulting in the emission of toxic smoke to the surrounding areas. The government of Kerala (Health and Family Welfare) appointed a committee, the Director of Health Services, Government of Kerala as the convenor to study and report the health issues caused by the event. According to the terms of reference, the committee is expected to document the immediate health outcomes of the event and the health issues that can persist for a long time. The terms of reference also included the analysis of the health issues that could be determined by the event, the probability of earth and water contamination because of the event and the chances of persistent organic pollutants entering the food chain of people.
The major study of the incident is to the health impact of the Brahmapuram fire. For these the committee. Interim Report and Plan of Action done by the SHSRC Kerala have send to the Director of Health Service. The committee collected primary data by observing the premises of the fire and through interviews and discussions with various stakeholders. Secondary health data which was available with the district medical office was also collected and analysed.
