KOCHI: The special medicines for Nipah virus has reached Kochi. It was brought from Australia. The blood samples of five showing the symptoms of Nipah have been sent for examination at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Three nurses who treated him, a friend and another person have been kept in isolation at the Kalamassery Medical College.

311 people are under observation in the state. The officials are trying to find out, how many of these had any direct contact with the youth, who has tested positive, said Health Minister K K Shailaja. She said the condition of the youth confirmed to be infected with the Nipah virus is progressing. The minister urged the people not to panic and take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

A high level meet was convened under the leadership of Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi to evaluate the situation. He called Minister Shailaja and enquired the details. He had assured that an anti-NiV drug developed in Australia would be provided to the state to deal with the disease.
A six-member team from AIIMS in Delhi and a two-member team from National Virology Centre in Pune have reached the state. The teams are assigned to detect virus suspects and assess isolation facilities.