Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant update on the Nipah outbreak in Kerala, health authorities have reported no new cases, with 42 samples testing negative. Addressing the media on Sunday, Health Minister Veena George revealed that a medical student, initially isolated with suspected symptoms, has also tested negative.
The outbreak had previously claimed the lives of two individuals, with six confirmed cases in Kerala. The state’s health department is actively engaged in contact tracing efforts in Kozhikode, and the minister announced plans to seek police assistance in identifying the mobile phone tower locations of individuals suspected to have been in contact with affected individuals.
Minister Veena George provided assurance regarding the patients currently under treatment, stating that all four Nipah patients are in stable condition. She also noted signs of improvement in the child receiving ventilator support. The health department is taking proactive measures by collecting over 100 samples for Nipah testing, ensuring that everyone in the high-risk category undergoes testing.
Furthermore, Veena George emphasized the need for continued monitoring, revealing that individuals on the contact list with suspected symptoms will be observed for a duration of 42 days. She confirmed the ongoing inspection by a central government team stationed in Kozhikode, which is set to visit the 2018 Nipah epicenter to analyze the outbreak in more depth.