In the wake of Nipah being confirmed in an Ernakulam resident, the Kerala government has taken strict measures to combat spreading fake news through social media.
Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla told media during a briefing on Tuesday evening that cases had been registered against two social media users for spreading fake news related to Nipah. "Strict action will be taken against those who spread fake news through social media," he said.
Safirulla added that special teams are looking into tracing people who have come in contact with the 23-year-old student, who has been confirmed to have contracted Nipah. The teams are also working towards capacity building training, call centre management, communication with the experts’ team, and coordination with various departments. Teams have also been set up to monitor social media to avoid spreading fake news and false information.
Special training has also been given to health officials including doctors of primary health centre in North Paravur.
The District Collector also made it clear that no travel advisory has been issued so far.
Safirulla added that arrangements have been made to provide food packs for those who have been isolated in hospital. "If need arises, we will also make arrangements to give food packets to those who have been quarantined at home," he said.
At present five people, three nurses who treated the 23-year-old, a person who studied with him and another resident of Chalakudy in Thrissur have been isolated in Kalamassery Medical College in Ernakulam district. About 311 people who have come in direct and indirect contact with student are also under observation.