Kozhikode: Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, said during a media briefing after an all-party meeting on Friday that all individuals testing positive for the Nipah virus are linked to the contact list of the initial victim from Maruthonkara.
“We are trying to trace the maximum number of contacts of patients and victims. That’s why we have decided to trace the mobile locations of the Nipah-affected persons,” she said.
In anticipation of a potentially high number of contacts, the decision was made to establish two mobile laboratories in addition to the virology lab at Kozhikode MCH. Veena George explained, “This will help us get the maximum number of tests done in Kozhikode itself. Since we have NIV’s labs here, we can get the confirmation without delay. The mobile lab from Rajiv Gandhi Biotechnology has two machines, each with a capacity to test 96 samples in a day.”
The minister also clarified that the isolation period for suspected cases is set at 21 days. “Even if an initial sample tests negative, individuals must continue their isolation and undergo retesting if necessary,” she emphasized.
She urged the public to check the recent Nipah-positive patient’s root map and promptly notify health officials of any potential contacts within the specified proximity.
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