Coimbatore zoo takes precautionary measures against Nipah virus

The Coimbatore Corporation Zoo has been taking special precautionary measures to prevent spread of the deadly Nipah virus, as several bats travel between Kerala and Coimbatore.

The director of Coimbatore Corporation Zoo, S Natha, said, "We have asked workers in zoo to clean floors to clear saliva and droppings that can spread the virus. We also spray bleaching powder all around the area."

"We have allotted three teams to identify it in dead bats but haven't got any case," he said.

As many as 16 people lost their lives in Kerala due to the outbreak of the virus in May.

As per the World Health Organisation, Nipah virus spread by fruit bats, causes communicable disease and is fatal for both animals and humans.

The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation and mental confusion, and can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.