Kerala Nipah case: Second healthcare worker tests negative; patient remains on ventilator support
Kozhikode, June 16
The second healthcare worker included in the primary contact list of Kerala's lone Nipah patient has tested negative for the virus, the office of the state's Health Minister said on Tuesday, providing some relief amid ongoing containment efforts in Kozhikode district.
In a statement, the Health Minister's office said, "The second test result of the healthcare worker who was in the patient's primary contact list has returned negative."
The development comes days after another healthcare worker linked to the contact list had also tested negative, providing some relief to health authorities overseeing containment efforts in the Kozhikode district.
Providing an update on the condition of the patient undergoing treatment, the Health Minister's office said the patient continues to remain on ventilator support at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
"The Nipah patient currently undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital continues to be on ventilator support. The patient was administered the second dose of monoclonal antibody in accordance with ICMR guidelines," the statement said.
Health officials said surveillance and contact-tracing activities are continuing in the district. Samples of another healthcare worker who is part of the contact list have been sent for testing.
The statement further noted that of the seven persons admitted to the hospital for observation, two close relatives of the patient were discharged on June 15 after their symptoms subsided.
"Two close relatives of the patient were discharged on 15th June after their symptoms subsided. Their test results had earlier come back negative," the statement said.
However, another close relative of the patient, who had been under quarantine as part of the contact list, was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for observation on June 15.
"At present, six people remain under observation in hospital," it added.
According to the Health Department, no fresh Nipah cases have been reported in the district, and no new individuals have been added to the contact list.
"A total of 103 people are currently on the contact list, including four in the very high-risk category, 14 in the high-risk category, and 85 in the low-risk category. Of them, 45 are healthcare workers," the statement said.
As part of ongoing surveillance measures, the central team monitoring the outbreak visited the private hospital in Feroke, where the patient had initially sought treatment. Health workers also conducted field visits to 46 additional houses in Division 5 of Ramanattukara Municipality, the area where the Nipah case was reported.
"Health workers also visited 46 more houses in Division 5 of Ramanattukara Municipality, where the Nipah case was reported," the statement added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good that containment efforts are in place, but we need more awareness in rural areas. Many people in Ramanattukara might not know about Nipah symptoms. The health department should do more village-level camps.
Proud of our healthcare workers risking their lives again! But why are we still seeing Nipah outbreaks every few years? Need better research on fruit bat migration near human settlements. Chalo, let's hope this gets contained soon.
Impressed by the systematic contact tracing and testing. 103 contacts monitored is no joke. But I worry about the four people in the very high-risk category. Hope they stay safe. India's public health response in Kerala sets an example.
Good news on the negative tests, but we need to ask: why was the monoclonal antibody protocol only used now? Earlier Nipah outbreaks showed delay costs lives. Also, ventilators in district hospitals need backup power during monsoon. Just saying.
Seeing two relatives discharged gives me hope! 🙏 But yaar, why do we always react after the outbreak? Need stronger surveillance in areas near Kozhikode where bats are common. Central team visiting the private hospital is good, but prevention is better.
Respect to the health workers doing field visits to
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