Nipah Virus: The fifth case of Nipah virus has been reported in Kerala. A 14-year-old teenager in Malappuram has been confirmed with Nipah virus. An alert has been issued in the state regarding a possible outbreak of the virus. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting in Malappuram district to discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the spread of Nipah virus.

Contact list of 214 is ready

Following the Nipah virus outbreak in Malappuram, Health Minister Veena George said the state is fully prepared to deal with the issue. She said 214 people are on the primary contact list while 60 are high-risk. All those on the contact list will be isolated. 

The Health Minister said that after the confirmation of Nipah virus in Malappuram, the containment measures have been intensified. Vigorous activities are going on since this morning. The state is fully prepared. 25 committees have been formed based on the standard operating procedures (SOP) formed under the government order for Nipah control. Contact tracing has started from Saturday morning itself.

60 at high risk

The Health Minister said that there are 214 people in the primary contact list. 60 people closely involved in this are in the high risk category. 30 isolation rooms have been arranged in Manjeri Medical College. Apart from this, necessary isolation wards have also been arranged in Kozhikode Medical College. The route map will be published.

How to prevent it?

• Everyone should wear a mask when going out in public places
• Avoid going to the hospital unnecessarily