Muraleedharan said that all the test reports of those who came into contact with the patient have come back negative. Screengrab: ANI
Nipah patient stable, all contact tests negative: Kerala Health Minister
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan says the Nipah patient remains stable and all contacts tested negative. Shigella cases are under control, he said
Addressing concerns over cases of Nipah virus infection in Kerala, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Saturday (June 13) said that the condition of the infected patient continues to be stable and has remained unchanged.
Muraleedharan further stated that all the test reports of those who came into contact with the patient have come back negative.
"The patient's condition is as before. All tests are negative," Muraleedharan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, adding that the samples were tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
Shigella situation under control
As for concerns over reported cases of Shigella infection in different parts of Kerala, the Health Minister said the situation remains under control and that there is currently no reason to panic.
"It is under control. At present, the situation is not dangerous. We are watching the situation," he added as quoted by ANI.
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Elaborating further, the Health Minister stated that cases of Shigella have been reported in Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad and some other regions of Kerala, adding that effective containment measures by the government have brought the situation under control.
"Cases have been detected in Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad and several other areas, but now it is under control even there. At present, there is no dangerous situation, and we are watching the situation," said the Health Minister.
About the Nipah virus
Nipah is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted mainly through exposure to fruit bats or contact with infected body fluids. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through close physical contact and exposure to bodily secretions. Kerala has witnessed several outbreaks of the virus over the past few years.
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Meanwhile, when asked about the appointment of the state's Health Director and criticism raised by the opposition over the selection process, Muraleedharan rejected the allegations.
Health director row dismissed
The Minister said that the term of the previous Health Director had come to an end and maintained that there was no controversy associated with the appointment.
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"Her time was over, and there is no controversy regarding that. The opposition is always trying to create controversy," the minister said.
Public advisory issued
Earlier on Thursday, Muraleedharan had appealed to the public to remain vigilant during the period between May and September, which is regarded as a high-risk season for Nipah transmission.
"May to September is a dangerous time period- don't try to touch or provoke Bats during this time. If you see them, alert the authorities. We are working on how to prevent Nipah cases," Muraleedharan added.