11 low-risk contacts discharged from Nipah surveillance; 15 more Shigella cases reported in Keralam
Thiruvananthapuram, June 24
Eleven individuals in the low-risk category have been cleared from surveillance in Keralam after completing the mandatory 21-day observation period following contact with a Nipah virus patient.
On Monday, the Health and Devaswom Department stated that "eleven persons in the low-risk category who had completed 21 days of observation after coming into contact with a Nipah patient have been removed from surveillance."
According to the Health Minister's office, none of them developed symptoms during the observation period.
The Health Minister's office has reported that no fresh hospitalisations have been reported among those on the Nipah patient's contact list. At present, four persons in the very high-risk category and 14 in the high-risk category remain under quarantine, while 75 low-risk contacts continue to be monitored.
The Nipah patient continues to be on ventilator support at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
On Monday, Health workers visited 51 more houses in Division 5 of Ramanattukara Municipality, where the infection was reported. The district control room has so far received 91 calls from the public seeking clarification, and health workers have maintained daily contact with all those under surveillance. Under the district mental health programme, psychological support has been provided to 125 people, the Health Minister's office stated.
Meanwhile, the state reported 15 fresh cases of Shigella infection on Monday. Kozhikode accounted for eight cases, followed by Malappuram with three, Wayanad with two, and one case each in Kannur and Kollam.
With the latest additions, Keralam has recorded 165 cases and six deaths due to Shigella infection in June alone. The total number of confirmed cases this year has risen to 241.
According to the Health Minister's office, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad have reported the highest number of infections during June. Outbreaks have been officially declared in Kozhikode (57 cases), Wayanad (22), Thrissur (12) and Alappuzha (3). Other districts reporting cases this month include Malappuram (24), Thiruvananthapuram (17), Kannur (11), Kollam (10), Idukki (3), Ernakulam (3) and Palakkad (3).
Earlier on Tuesday, Keralam Health Minister K Muraleedharan said that the government will succeed in preventing the spread of the Nipah virus in 2026, adding that a high-power committee has been formed to prevent viral and amoebic diseases.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The mental health support for 125 people is a great initiative. During outbreaks, psychological stress is often overlooked. But I'm worried about the Shigella numbers—241 cases this year! The rainy season brings new challenges. Let's all maintain hygiene, boil water, and stay safe. Kudos to the health workers visiting houses daily.
Why is the health minister talking about 2026 when we have active outbreaks now? 😐 We respect the efforts, but the focus should be on immediate containment. 165 Shigella cases in a month is alarming. Also, why are Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad hotspots? Time for targeted action and not just declarations. Hope the patient on ventilator recovers soon.
Coming from the US, I'm impressed by Kerala's contact tracing and quarantine protocols. The 21-day observation, psychological support, and constant monitoring show serious public health commitment. The Shigella outbreak highlights the need for clean water infrastructure, especially during monsoons. Hope the global community learns from Kerala's approach. Stay strong! 💪
While the Nipah situation seems controlled, the Shigella numbers are scary—241 cases and 6 deaths! I'm in Kozhikode and my area is on alert. The health department should ramp up testing and sanitation in hotspots. Also, why aren't we hearing about Nipah vaccine trials in India? Research on this is long overdue. Bas aas hai ki sab theek ho jayega. 🙏
So relieved the low-risk contacts are safe!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.