Malappuramis on high alert after Health Minister Veena George confirmed that 49 individuals linked to a Nipah virus patient are being closely monitored. Among them, 45 fall into the high-risk category. Five symptomatic individuals have been placed in isolation at Manjeri Medical College, and a nurse from Ernakulam at Perinthalmanna Hospital is also quarantined. Fortunately, all test results so far have been negative.
Of the high-risk group, 12 are the patient’s immediate family. The list also includes healthcare and lab staff: three from Valanchery PHC, one from a local clinic, 25 from Perinthalmanna Hospital, two from labs, and two from a medical store. Four low-risk contacts are also under surveillance.
Strict measures are being enforced. The Health Minister has ordered legal action under the Disaster Management and Public Health Acts against those withholding information. Preventive efforts are being ramped up, with mandatory masking in public spaces and the collection of CCTV footage to trace the patient’s movement post-April 25.
Samples from a cat that died near the patient’s house have been sent to a Bhopal lab to test for Nipah antibodies, under the supervision of the Animal Husbandry Department.
While the Ente Keralam program continues in Kottakkunnu with precautions, all other government events, including the CM’s May 12 visit and an anti-drug campaign on May 10, have been postponed. Containment zones face strict controls from 8 AM to 6 PM.
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