Thiruvananthapuram: On Sunday Health Minister Veena George said 383 people have been identified on the Nipah virus contact list, as the state intensifies surveillance and medical readiness following confirmed cases in all three districts. In Malappuram, there are 241 individuals on the contact list.
In Palakkad, 142 contacts are being monitored. Kozhikode district has 94 people under observation, while two individuals are being monitored in Ernakulam. Currently, 12 individuals are undergoing treatment in Malappuram, including five patients admitted to the ICU. Four individuals are being treated in isolation in Palakkad.
Minister Veena George chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the situation. The state has initiated home visits and fever surveillance, while psychological support is being extended to those in isolation. In anticipation of a potential rise in patient numbers, enhanced ICU and isolation facilities have been arranged across the affected districts.
The meeting was conducted in the presence of the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, State Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Director of the Health Department, Director of Medical Education, Additional Directors, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, and officials from various departments.
Meanwhile, State Health Minister Veena George stated that Nipah protocols have already been implemented. Helplines and district-level containment zones are being established to control the spread. Authorities are also investigating any unnatural deaths reported in the last week in these districts.
