Kozhikode, June 12:
Health authorities in Kozhikode have reported no new Nipah virus infections, offering some relief as intensive surveillance and containment measures continue across the district. However, three individuals currently under quarantine have been admitted to hospital for observation after developing health concerns, and their samples have been sent for laboratory testing.
The lone Nipah-positive patient undergoing treatment has received the first dose of monoclonal antibody therapy, administered in line with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines and on the recommendation of the medical board overseeing the case. Officials said the patient’s condition continues to be closely monitored.
Meanwhile, the district’s contact-tracing operation has expanded, with 10 additional individuals added to the surveillance list, taking the total number of identified contacts to 87. Of these, four have been categorised as primary contacts at the highest risk level, while 16 are considered high-risk and 67 fall under the low-risk category.
Health officials said all identified contacts are under strict observation, with the district control room reaching out to them twice daily to monitor their health status and identify any symptoms at the earliest stage.
As part of containment efforts, health workers conducted a comprehensive door-to-door survey covering 286 households in Ward 5 of Ramanattukara Municipality, the area linked to the confirmed Nipah case. During the exercise, 12 people with fever were identified and assessed. Authorities clarified that none of them exhibited symptoms suggestive of Nipah virus infection.
The district’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) met again in Ramanattukara on Thursday to review ongoing surveillance, contact tracing and containment activities. In a further step to strengthen the response, a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is expected to visit Kozhikode on Saturday to evaluate the situation on the ground and assist local health authorities in managing the outbreak.
Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant while avoiding panic, stressing that surveillance and preventive measures are being carried out on a war footing.
