Shillong, Feb 3: The state government is on alert and prepared to tackle any potential threat of the Nipah virus, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said on Monday while informing that no case of infection of the virus has been reported in the state so far.
“As of now, we don’t have any concrete evidence or report of Nipah virus in Meghalaya. I also don’t want to create panic among the public,” Shylla told reporters.
Reacting to concerns following reports of Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, the Health Minister made it clear that the Health Department has been put on alert in this regard.
“We are fully aware and fully prepared,” he said.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, usually transmitted from animals to humans, but can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.
Reacting to a query on the state’s request for Central financial assistance to host the upcoming National Games, Shylla, who is also the Sports Minister, said, “Definitely, the state will expect as much as we can from the central government. At the same time, when we ask to host the National Games, we should also be prepared ourselves.”
He pointed out that Meghalaya faces financial constraints and has therefore requested support from the Centre.
On the budget preparation for hosting the Games, he said details are yet to be worked out since it involves several departments. “We are still awaiting estimates,” he said.
Commenting on the Union Budget presented on Sunday, the Sports Minister said, “It is quite a positive budget, especially for the Northeast and for Meghalaya. We have seen opportunities under schemes like DASKE.”
