A 24-year-old man who died at a private hospital in Malappuram on Saturday tested positive for the Nipah virus, Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced on Sunday. The test was conducted at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.
Nipah virus was suspected during the initial death investigation by the medical officer. Samples collected by the District Medical Officer were immediately sent to Kozhikode Medical College for testing, which confirmed the presence of the virus.
In response to the positive result, Minister George convened an emergency high-level meeting on Saturday and instructed officials to follow established protocols. Sixteen committees were formed to handle the situation. Additionally, samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology for further testing.
The deceased was a student in Bangalore. So far, 151 individuals have been identified as primary contacts. The man had sought treatment in four private hospitals and had traveled with friends to several locations. All those who came into direct contact with him have been identified and placed in isolation. Five individuals in isolation have developed mild symptoms, and their samples have been sent for testing.
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Efforts to conduct contact tracing and surveillance are nearing completion to manage the risk of infection. The health department is focusing on early detection and treatment to prevent further infections and save lives, according to a press release from the health minister’s office.