Nipah fear wanes: Ease in restrictions, vaccination will resume from tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has said that the government has decided to ease restrictions in containment wards in Kozhikode as no other Nipah virus cases have been reported in the incubation period of 14 days. Meanwhile, the 9th ward of Chathamangalam panchayat will remain as a containment zone. The decision was taken on the recommendation of the medical board and the expert committee. Shops have been allowed to open in other areas. Those experiencing symptoms must remain at home. Health workers should be notified immediately if there are any problems. The Health Minister said that order in this regard will be issued by the District Collector.

Vaccination, which was suspended in the containment zones, will resume on Wednesday. Those experiencing symptoms should not go to take the vaccine. 9593 people are yet to get the first dose of vaccine in the containment wards.

At the same time, samples of 3 persons, who came in contact with the boy who died of Nipah virus, have returned negative. These samples were tested at NIV, Pune.