One must remain in isolation for 21 days even if tested negative for Nipah; guidelines must be followed strictly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George has informed that those on the Nipah contact list should strictly follow the isolation guidelines. Even if the test result is negative, they should remain in isolation for 21 days. No one has been included in the contact list related to the Nipah outbreak in Malappuram district today. 65 people are at high risk and 101 are at low risk. Only the person who has been confirmed to have Nipah is undergoing treatment in the ICU. Only one person on the contact list is undergoing treatment in isolation.

The condition of the Nipah-infected patient remains critical. Antiviral prophylaxis treatment is being given to 11 people on the high-risk list. All the houses identified as part of fever surveillance have been visited. No new cases have been reported. Nipah is an infection that is a public health priority at the international level. National/state protocols are in place. Therefore, the isolation guidelines should be followed strictly.

Even if the test result of those on the Nipah contact list is negative, they must remain in isolation/quarantine for 21 days. They should completely avoid travelling for 21 days. They should not come into contact with others. If they have any symptoms of the disease, they should inform health workers. The minister also stated that strict action will be taken against those who violate the isolation guidelines.