Two Deaths In Kerala Due To Nipah Virus; Monitoring Situation Seriously, Says CM Vijayan

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday confirmed that the two deaths in Kerala’s Kozhikode district have been caused by the the Nipah virus. The Union Health Minister added that currently four patients suspected to be infected with Nipah virus are under surveillance and their samples have been sent for testing.

A Central team has been sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the state government in Nipah virus management, Mandaviya said in a press conference here.

“I have spoken to the Health Minister of Kerala, there have been reports of this virus several times this season. Cases are coming up, this virus is spread by bats. A guideline has been prepared by the Health Ministry regarding this so that we can take precautions,” Mandaviya said. The first death took place on August 30 and the second death on September 11.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the State government is viewing the two “unnatural deaths” reported from Kozhikode very seriously and that the health department has issued an alert in the district.

In a video message posted on his Facebook page, the chief minister advised people to exercise caution and said there was no reason to worry as those who were in close contact with the deceased were under treatment.