Nipah outbreak: Palakkad woman critical, over 170 contacts under observation

Palakkad: A 38-year-old Nipah virus patient from Thachampara, Mannarkkad, remains in critical condition, Health Minister Veena George informed on Monday. The minister said all necessary measures are in place to prevent further spread.

Speaking to the media in Palakkad, the minister emphasised that the government's goal is to control the outbreak and ensure safety.

173 people in contact list, 52 identified as high-risk

Authorities have traced a total of 173 individuals in connection with the confirmed Nipah case. Among them, 100 are classified as primary contacts, which include family members, relatives, and healthcare workers. From this group, 52 individuals fall under the high-risk category. An additional 73 people are identified as secondary contacts.

Of the initial five samples tested in relation to the case, all returned negative. However, test outcomes for four more individuals are expected by Monday afternoon.

13 individuals under isolation across three hospitals

At present, 12 individuals are in isolation across Palakkad Medical College and Manjeri. In addition, the patient’s son has been isolated at Kozhikode Medical College.

Patient shifted to Kozhikode after antibody treatment

The infected patient, a 38-year-old woman from Thachampara of Mannarkkad, was first admitted to a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. Following the administration of the first dose of antibody treatment, she was transferred to Kozhikode Medical College for advanced care. The second dose of antibody treatment is currently being administered, the Health Minister added.