No Need for Panic Over Nipah and Shigella Cases, Says Keralam Health Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan has reiterated that there is no need for concern over the confirmation of Nipah and Shigella cases in the state.

The minister made the statement during a press conference held after a Nipah infection was confirmed in a resident of Kozhikode. Muraleedharan said that 77 people are currently included in the contact list of the Nipah patient and that containment zones will be declared only if more cases are reported.

“A 41-year-old resident of Ramanattukara, Kozhikode, has tested positive for Nipah. At present, 77 people are on the contact list of the infected person. Among them, 58 are healthcare workers, 11 are family members, and five are friends or colleagues. None of them have reported any symptoms so far. Two people fall under the high-risk category,” the minister said.

He added that the figures were recorded based on a meeting held with health experts and the Kozhikode District Collector, covering details available until 4 pm. People in the high-risk category have been advised to undergo quarantine. A route map of the infected person has also been prepared, and field-level preventive activities have begun.

The minister said that there is currently no situation requiring the declaration of a containment zone. He added that steps have been taken to ensure the availability of medicines required for treatment. A control room has been opened at the District Medical Office to address public concerns, and preventive measures will be strengthened to stop the spread of the infection.

Speaking about Shigella cases, Muraleedharan said that six cases have been reported in Thiruvananthapuram, two in Kollam, three in Kozhikode, and nine in Wayanad.

“Test results of 578 people are still awaited. Containment zones will be declared only if more cases are reported,” the minister said during the press conference.