Nipah virus: Samples of 13 people tested negative, says Kerala Health Minister

Kerala Health Minister confirms 13 contacts of Nipah victim test negative, containment measures in place in Malappuram.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday (September 17, 2024) that 13 people who came into contact with a 24-year-old man who died from Nipah virus in Malappuram district last week have tested negative for the disease.

Of the total 175 people on the contact list of the deceased man, the samples of 13 people, in the high-risk category, tested negative at the Manjeri Government Medical College Hospital in Malappuram, Ms. George told reporters here.

The Minister said the Health department is making all possible attempts to check the spread of the disease by identifying a maximum number of persons who had been in his contact, and giving them preventive medicine.

"The samples of those in the high-risk category and the persons showing any symptoms are being collected and sent for testing. Samples of more people will be collected today (Tuesday)," she said.

Though the chance of any spread of the disease is unlikely, the samples of every person showing symptoms would be tested, she said.

Ms. George further said the State Health department has been in constant contact with the Centre and the health authorities in Karnataka where the deceased man was studying.

Those who were in contact with him, including his classmates and friends, had been traced with their support, she said.