Six people suspected to have Nipah in Kerala have tested negative for the virus, while two others are now suspected to have symptoms, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday, following a review meeting with health officials and people’s representatives in the district. Another sample has been sent for testing on Thursday, and one more will be collected later today and sent for testing.
"The news that the test results are negative is such a huge relief for the entire state,” the Chief Minister said, while addressing the media, “But we won’t stop the measures we have already taken – all of this will continue. Some more people are under observation, and precautionary steps have been taken on the basis of our experience last year.”
“We also need to take further steps,” he added, “We need to find out during which parts of the year fruit bats become carriers of the virus. Research will be carried out on the subject with the coordination of various organisations like animal husbandry department, Agriculture University, and the Forest Research Institute. The state will also urge the Centre to carry out required research.”
“A big part of our concerns have been quelled now, but our vigilance shouldn't dip even a bit. We need to be on alert till July, till the incubation period is over. Principal Secretary, Health, Rajan N Khobragade will camp in Kochi to monitor the situation," Health Minister KK Shailaja told the media.
"We will meet the Union Health Minister and urge him to set up an advanced virology institute in the state,” she added.
“It's expected that the Centre will give assistance for strengthening the virology institute in Alappuzha. The virology institute in Thiruvananthapuram was set up with the aim for having an advanced institute. As it's known, no effective medicine has been found for Nipah, what is advisable is to administer the most effective medicine in the world," she said.