Nipah scare in Malappuram; 175 persons on contact list, route map of youth who died due to Nipah released

MALAPPURAM: Health Minister Veena George stated that 175 individuals in Malappuram district have been included in the contact list in relation to the Nipah virus outbreak. Out of this, 74 are healthcare workers. The primary contact list includes 126 people, while 49 are on the secondary contact list. Notably, 104 individuals on the primary list fall under the high-risk category. Currently, the samples of 13 individuals have been sent for testing. The minister said that the results are expected to be available soon.

Under the Minister's leadership, Nipah review meetings were held online in the morning and evening. As part of sustained vigilance against Nipah, a control cell has been established at the Malappuram Government Guest House complex. Individuals can contact the Nipah control cell at phone numbers 0483 2732010 and 0483 2732060. The route map detailing the travel history and timeline of the deceased 24-year-old has been released. After verifying the route map, those who possibly came into contact with the infected individual should inform the control cell.

A field survey has been initiated within a 3-kilometer radius of the deceased person's residence, with 66 teams deployed. As part of this effort, today, the survey was conducted in 590 households in Mambad Gram Panchayat, 447 households in Vandur, and 891 households in Thiruvali, covering a total of 1928 households. The field survey revealed 49 fever cases across the regions - 10 cases in Mambad Gram Panchayat, 10 cases in Vandur, and 29 cases in Thiruvalliyur. Notably, only one of the fever cases identified in Mambad is included in the contact list.

The authorities have issued directives to suspend the functioning of all educational institutions, such as tuition centres and Anganwadis, within the designated containment zones. The meeting also instructed the police to ensure that restrictions in the containment zone are being followed. The meeting was attended by Malappuram District Collector VR Vinod, Health Department Director Dr KJ Reena, Additional Directors of the Health Department, District Medical Officer, and District Program Manager, among others.