The Governmentof Tamil Nadu has set up medical teams at the check posts in seven districtsbordering Kerala to screen for Nipah virus infected persons according to anofficial of the Public Health Department.

AdditionalDirector of the Department P. Vadivelan said that no cases of Nipah virus hasbeen reported in Tamil Nadu this year or even last year but the government hasset up the medical teams as a precautionary measures against its spread in thedistricts of Tamil Nadu bordering Kerala.

He furtherinformed that the medical team will look out for persons with high fever and inconfused state of mind, the symptoms of Nipah virus fever. He also informedthat there will be an isolated ward in a government hospital in the sevendistricts to admit and treat the patients tested positive for the virus.

AdditionalDirector Vadivelan said that the doctors in the border districts have beengiven detailed guidelines on the symptoms of the disease and how to handle thepatients adding that they are also sensitizing people about preventive measureslike not consuming bird bitten fruits, wash the fruits well before consumption.

Vadivelanfurther informed that the Nipah virus infection happens if one consumes fruitsbitten by bats and coming in contact with their urine, faces and saliva.