Kerala Continues Vigilance Against Nipah Virus: Negative Tests on the Rise

Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced that 68 samples have tested negative for Nipah virus. While five people are under treatment and 472 contacts are being monitored, the state intensifies preventive measures. The Centre advises public health actions to curb the virus spread.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that test results for two more individuals for the Nipah virus have returned negative, increasing the total number of negative samples to 68. Four new admissions have been reported, and currently, five people are undergoing treatment. A total of 472 individuals are on the contact list, including 220 in the high-risk category. So far, 807 people have received mental health services. Minister Veena George participated online in the Nipah review meeting held at Malappuram Collectorate.

As part of Nipah prevention activities, health workers have conducted home visits in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats in Malappuram. The Minister emphasized that all individuals on the contact list must strictly adhere to isolation guidelines for 21 days. Discharged patients are also required to follow isolation guidelines. The minister warned that strict action will be taken against those who do not comply.

The minister urged the public to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The Centre has advised the state government to implement immediate public health measures, including active case searches in the family of the confirmed case, the surrounding neighborhood, and areas with similar topography.

The Centre has also recommended active contact tracing, strict quarantine of contacts, isolation of any suspects, and the collection and transportation of samples for laboratory testing. It's important to note that Kerala has experienced previous outbreaks of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD), with the most recent occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district.