Kozhikode: Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has revealed that there was direct contact between the two individuals suspected to have succumbed to the Nipah virus. This revelation emerged during a high-level review meeting of the health department convened at the Kozhikode Collectorate. Health Minister Veena George said that the samples of the suspected cases have been sent to the Pune Virology Institute (NIV), and the results will be obtained by tonight.
The first death was reported on August 30, followed by the tragic demise of the second individual just yesterday. Both of the deceased had shared the same hospital space for approximately an hour, raising concerns about potential Nipah virus transmission.
Minister Veena George emphasised that this revelation underscores the importance of swift and comprehensive precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. The state health department has already initiated such measures, and further actions will be taken in accordance with the results of diagnostic tests.
To assess the level of risk, individuals who have had contact with the suspected cases will be classified based on potential exposure and other risk factors. This step is crucial in preventing further transmission and ensuring that those at the highest risk receive appropriate medical attention.
As of now, the mortal remains of the recently deceased individual have not been cremated. The funeral will proceed only after the test results are received, adhering to safety protocols and minimising the risk of viral transmission during the process.
In addition to the deceased, relatives of one of the individuals who lost their lives to the suspected Nipah virus have been admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Their condition is being closely monitored.
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