All Nipah Virus cases except Kerala found to be negative

New Delhi: While the situation continues to be alarming due to Nipah virus in Kerala, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is monitoring the situation in various states through Integrated Disease Control Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network. Nipah virus disease has mostly affected the two districts of Kerala viz. Kozhikode and Malappuram.

As per the latest statement from the health ministry, it has sent advisories to all the states, besides conducting video conferencing for training and clarifying their doubts. Further samples were sent from various States viz. Goa, Telangana, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and all samples were found to be negative for Nipah virus. So far out of the 19 reported cases,18 have been laboratory confirmed. Out of 19 persons, 17 have died from the two affected districts in Kerala State.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr J P Nadda has reviewed the ground situation with the Health Minister of Kerala and took stock of the public health measures in the affected areas. On directions of the Union Health Minister, a multi-disciplinary Central Team led by Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) including experts from NCDC, AIIMS, Safdarjung hospital, EMR division, NIV Pune was immediately deployed in Kozikode, Kerala and are constantly monitoring the situation of the Nipah Virus Disease and supporting the State Health Authorities in managing the outbreak.

After reviewing the situation, the Central Team suggested triage of Nipah cases and establishment of dedicated isolation facilities in district and strict infection control practices. Majority of the cases were found to be having contact with cases of Nipah virus disease. The Central teams recommended enlisting and daily follow up of all contacts.

The Government of India has issued the guidelines including Brief on Nipah Virus disease; Advisory for General Public; Advisory for Health Care Personnel; Guidelines for sample collection for Nipah Virus; Hospital infection control guidelines; and Laboratory Biosafety guidelines. In addition, contact tracing and treatment and clinical management protocol has been provided to State authorities, mentioned the statement from the health ministry.