KOZHIKODE: ICMR mobile testing lab has been set up in Kozhikode to carry out preliminary testing of samples of suspected Nipah virus infection. The work of the lab will be done in the medical college hospital premises. The lab is scheduled to be operational in the next two weeks.

With this, Nipah examinations can be conducted in Kozhikode itself. The samples of those who had primary contact with Nipah victims with be examined here. Current reports are that the testing of other samples will also be done at the Viral Research and Diagnostic Lab of the Medical College.

The central team reached Kozhikode as part of the preventive measures against the virus. The team led by Dr Himanshu Chauhan understood the situation in the virus-affected areas and provided expert advice. The information will be forwarded to the state government every evening. The work of the central team will be done in conjunction with the officials of the animal welfare department.

At the same time, the number of flu patients in the district is rising as the Nipah crisis intensifies. In the last two days, about 2200 people have been diagnosed with fever in the district. Following the spread of Nipah, the crisis is getting worse as more restrictions are put in place inside the hospital. Additionally, people with fevers choose not to visit the hospital out of fear.