Thiruvananthapuram, May 10 – The Kerala government announced on Saturday that eight more individuals who were in contact with a Nipah virus-infected patient in Malappuram district have tested negative, bringing a measure of relief amid growing health concerns.
State Health Minister Veena George confirmed the development, stating that the total number of people who have tested negative for the virus now stands at 25. However, the condition of the infected patient remains critical despite receiving a dose of monoclonal antibodies on Friday. The minister added that a second dose of the treatment would be administered later on Saturday.
Contact List Grows to 94
Even as more test results return negative, the number of contacts being monitored continues to increase. The government said that 37 new individuals were added to the contact list, raising the total to 94.Out of these, 53 have been classified as high-risk contacts. This group includes 40 people from Malappuram, 11 from Palakkad, and one each from Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts. The remaining 43 individuals fall into the low-risk category.
Ongoing Medical Care and Surveillance
Apart from the critically ill patient, five other individuals are undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the state. The state health department has initiated a joint outbreak investigation in Malappuram in coordination with multiple government agencies.As part of preventive measures, health workers conducted a fever survey by visiting 1,781 households in Malappuram district on Saturday. The health department continues to closely monitor the situation and implement containment strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with health officials as they work to control the outbreak.