Kozhikode, Kerala — In a heartening turn of events, Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, announced on Friday that all four individuals, including a brave nine-year-old, who were under treatment for Nipah virus, have made a full recovery and tested negative for the virus. This development comes as a beacon of hope for the state after enduring six reported cases of Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode district, resulting in two unfortunate fatalities.
The nine-year-old, who is the son of the index case, Muhammad Ali (47), showed remarkable resilience in the face of the deadly virus. Tragically, Muhammad Ali succumbed to the illness on August 30, marking the beginning of the outbreak in the district. The second victim, who contracted the virus, tragically passed away on September 11.
Minister Veena George shared the heartening news in a Malayalam post on Facebook, stating, “Informing the good news that four people, including a nine-year-old boy who were undergoing treatment for Nipah, have recovered from the infection and have tested double negative (two samples tested in intervals tested negative).”
Government data shows that as of Sunday, no new Nipah cases have been reported, and all five samples sent for lab testing have returned negative results. Consequently, the Kozhikode District Administration has eased restrictions in containment zones, reflecting the positive progress in containing the virus.
Minister Veena George emphasized the state’s commitment to fortifying the healthcare system, introducing the concept of ‘One Health’ activities, which involves a coordinated effort across all departments. This integrated approach aims to enhance community surveillance year-round. Furthermore, she revealed plans to establish an institution dedicated to harmonizing the efforts of various departments.
Both the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have conducted studies indicating that Kerala, along with eight other states in India, faces a potential risk of Nipah outbreaks. In light of this, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a seroprevalence study to delve into the recurrent presence of the Nipah virus in Kozhikode district, as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.
