- Tuesday, April 23, 2024
By: Keerthi Mohan
CONCERNS related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday (7) saying sample of one more person suspected to be infected with the potentially deadly virus has tested negative.
One more person currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Medical College Hospital in Kochi has tested negative, the minister told reporters in New Delhi.
Amid the Nipah virus scare, Shailaja met Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to discuss the status and the administration’s preparedness for containment and management of the potentially deadly infection.
Vardhan, who is regularly reviewing the public health measures put in place in Kerala, assured her of all support from the Centre.
The State government had Thursday (6) announced that samples of six people, including three nursing staff, who had initially attended on a college student infected with Nipah virus, had tested negative.
The government said a total of 318 people, who were in touch with the student, have been kept under observation.
Of the 318 people, 52 have been put in the high risk category,a bulletin issued by the government said Friday (7).
The condition of the college student, diagnosed with Nipah virus, has slightly improved, it said.
He is being treated at a private hospital here.
“He is taking food. He spoke to his mother,” it said.
Shailaja, who was in New Delhi to meet Vardhan, said the state will continue to remain alert till mid-July.
“There is no need for any concern. Result of the sample of the seventh person is also negative,” she said.
They (seven) are currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, in Kochi, Kerala.
(PTI)
