Will succeed in preventing spread of Nipah Virus in 2026, says Keralam Health Minister
Thiruvananthapuram, June 16
Keralam Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Tuesday said that 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.
Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan said, "This month, 70 cases of Shigella were reported. A total of 146 have been reported till now. Five deaths have occured. To prevent viral and amoebic diseases, we have formed a high-power committee. The chairman is Dr SS Lal, a World Health Organisation Consultant."
State Health Minister said that government will convene a meeting weekly, get the reports and give directions to the officials.
"This committee will also research permanently preventing such diseases. This year, the government will succeed in preventing the spread of the Nipah virus. Only one person is in the hospital with a positive case out of more than 38 samples sent to the lab. He's on a ventilator," he said.
Earlier in the day, the second healthcare worker included in the primary contact list of Keralam'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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good steps by the minister, but I hope the high-power committee also focuses on improving rural healthcare infrastructure. Nipah is scary, but we've seen how quickly things can go wrong with delayed testing.
Kudos to the healthcare workers risking their lives! The fact that the second contact tested negative is a relief. But we need more transparency on the patient's condition and the source of infection. 🤞
As someone who visited Kerala last year, I'm impressed by the proactive measures. Weekly reviews and a dedicated committee is the way to go. Hope other states learn from this model. Stay safe, everyone!
The minister seems confident, but remember 2018? We need a permanent solution, not just firefighting every year. Also, 70 Shigella cases in one month is alarming—are we neglecting water quality? 😕
Good to see Dr SS Lal involved—he knows his stuff. But I wish the government would also invest in public awareness campaigns in Malayalam. Many villagers don't even know what Nipah is. Prevention starts with education!
Impressive how quickly Kerala's health department responds compared to many other parts of India. The weekly meeting idea is practical. Hope the
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