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The central health ministry on Tuesday confirmed that the deaths of two persons that took place in Kerala's Kozhikode district was caused by 'Nipah Virus'. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said samples sent for testing to the National Institute of Virology in Pune matched with one of the deceased and four of his kin. He further said that a team of experts from the centre has been sent to the state to understand the situation and help the state government combat Nipah virus infection. Meanwhile a control room has already been set up in the Kerala government and people are strictly advised to use masks as a precautionary measure. Showing concern over the issue, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that 16 committees have been formed to handle the situation and the hospitals and the health workers have been directed to use PPE kits and follow the infection control protocol. Earlier in the day, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan while addressing the situation sai...

After a Central team visited the state yesterday, the Union health ministry has reportedly said there was no cause for alarm over Kerala's nipah case. New Delhi: Eleven persons, who came in contact with Kerala's latest nipah victim who died yesterday, have shown symptoms of the disease, state Health Minister Veena George said today. Up to 251 contacts, in all, have been identified, she said on a day the Centre, denying any reason for alarm, sent some recommendations to check the spread of the infection. Of the 251 identified by Kerala's contact-tracing initiative, 129 are healthcare workers. "There are 38 persons in isolation at Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital, of which 11 have shown symptoms. Samples of eight persons have been sent to Pune NIV (National Institute of Virology) for testing," Ms George said, adding that the health condition of all those who have shown symptoms are stable. She said a special laboratory set up by an NIV team at the hospital wi...