In a follow-up on the Nipah virus situation in Kerala state, India, Union Minister of Health and Family, Dr Harsh Vardhan is closely monitoring the situation arising out of reported cases of Nipah Virus in Kerala.

Indian subcontinent/CIA

“I urge the people not to panic as the Government is leaving no stone unturned to remedy the situation. I am personally reviewing the situation with the State Health Minister of Kerala, Smt K. K. Shailaja on a regular basis.

The status of the Nipah virus positive patient is stable. In addition, a total of 314 contacts are being followed up on daily basis and five symptomatic contacts have been admitted in quarantine facility at Medical college and samples have been sent for testing.

State Health Authorities have instituted the following public health measures: A designated Control Room has been established at Office of District Collector, an isolation ward established at Government Medical College Ernakulam, isolation facilities ensured at Medical Colleges at Calicut, Thrissur and Kottayam and all health care facilities to ensure high index of suspicion in cases with similar symptoms and also ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral.