Nipah virus, considered a major public health problem, presents a considerable risk due to its high transmission potential and a mortality rate of 40-70% according to WHO. This virus has recently posed a serious threat to Kerala, a relatively small state in India, with a fourth wave occurring in late August 2023. The insights gained from past encounters with this infection, along with the experience of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic have equipped Kerala to confront the virus effectively during its fourth appearance. With the swift and effective response of the public health system and the governance, Kerala successfully contained virus transmission and reduced fatality rates significantly. This paper briefly examines the strategic planning undertaken by the Kerala government and health department to combat the Nipah virus outbreak. Additionally, the paper articulates certain concerns that arose during the outbreak and provides suggestions for addressing those concerns in future outbreaks.

Introduction: The temporomandibular joint is also called the mandibular joint. As the name suggests, it is an articulation between the temporal bone and the mandible.Pain in the TMJ region is a common finding. Disorders of the TMJ are recorded quite frequently in adults. Symptoms of such disorders include pain, clicking, jaw deviation, attrition and limited mouth opening.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a University setting. The case records were collected using multiple criteria which included impacted third molars, OPGs etc. A total of 684 records were obtained. An approval from the Institutional Ethical Approval Board was obtained to assess the patient data records. All teeth that were impacted were considered. Exclusion criteria were mandibular impacted third molars, incomplete records, poor quality of the OPGs.

Results: All results were obtained in the form of charts and graphs. The TMJ findings were categorised as Flattening, Erosion, Osteophyte and Normal. These findings were recorded on both the left and right side of each OPG. An association was made between gender of the patient and the findings on the right side as well as the left side. A majority of 70% of the population presented with clicking. The most commonly found TMJ characteristic was flattening of the condyle. It was seen in about 14-17% of the population (including males, females, right and left side).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that  most of the people (70%) belonging to the age group of 21 to 40 years experienced clicking.