Nipah: Samples of seven individuals identified as high-risk contacts tested; fever surveillance will be conducted in Valanchery Municipality

MALAPPURAM: Following the confirmation of a Nipah virus infection in a woman from Valanchery in Malappuram, the Health Department has launched preventive measures in the area. Health Minister Veena George stated that treatment had already begun once Nipah was suspected. Samples of seven individuals identified as high-risk contacts were tested, and all returned negative results in the initial round of testing. No unusual deaths have been reported in the area, according to the Health Department's surveillance. The Minister announced that Ward 2 of Valanchery Municipality, covering a 3-kilometre radius, will be declared a containment zone.

The patient reportedly had minimal movement outside her home. Fever surveillance will be conducted in the Valanchery Municipality. A total of 25 committees have been formed to manage disease prevention efforts. The Minister emphasised that the focus is on ensuring there is no transmission of the virus.

The patient is currently on a ventilator. Although some of the people who came into contact with her developed fever, their test results were negative. There are still some doubts regarding the source of the infection. Samples are being sent to the Bhopal lab for further analysis.

The woman was admitted to the Valanchery hospital on May 1st and was put into incubation on the 2nd. The positive result came from the virology lab in Pune. She is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Perinthalmanna. Her samples were sent for testing due to symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulty, which did not subside despite medication. The Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely, the Minister added.