A 42-year-old woman from Valanchery tested positive for the Nipah virus, prompting the health department to intensify contact tracing efforts. Officials quickly identified 58 of her contacts.
Symptomatic Contacts Test Negative
On Friday, six symptomatic individuals were hospitalized and tested for the virus. All six tested negative. Among them, five with mild symptoms were shifted to the isolation ward at Manjeri Medical College. A staff nurse from Ernakulam was also moved to the same facility. With these results, the total number of people who have tested negative for Nipah has increased to 13.
Patient in ICU Receives Monoclonal Antibodies
Doctors administered monoclonal antibody treatment to the infected woman, who remains in serious condition in the ICU. Authorities have placed 51 high-risk contacts under observation. These include 12 of her close relatives, three health workers from Valanchery Family Health Centre, one staffer from a local clinic, 25 employees from Perinthalmanna hospital, and two lab technicians from separate laboratories.
Containment Zones Declared; Surveillance Intensifies
As reported by TOI, to curb the spread of the virus, district officials declared nine wards across four local bodies as containment zones. They also made wearing masks in public mandatory. Starting Saturday, health workers will conduct fever surveillance by visiting 4,749 houses over a four-day period.
Animal Samples to Be Tested for Nipah
In a precautionary step, the Animal Husbandry Department will send samples from a cat that died near the patient’s residence to a lab in Bhopal to test for Nipah antibodies.
Health Minister Orders Joint Investigation
Health Minister Veena George ordered a joint outbreak investigation involving multiple departments. She expressed optimism about identifying the source of infection, stating, “Experts believe there’s a better chance of finding the source in this case.”
Ente Keralam Programme to Continue with Curbs
Despite the outbreak, the ongoing ‘Ente Keralam’ programme will continue under strict health protocols. However, authorities have cancelled the cultural events associated with the programme. Earlier, opposition leaders had demanded its complete cancellation.
Strict Action Against Withholding Information
Minister George directed the district collector and the district medical officer to take action under the Disaster Management Act and Public Health Act against anyone who conceals information from health officials. She added that the attending doctor suspected Nipah after reviewing the patient’s MRI scan and immediately tested her samples.