Thiruvananthapuram: It is suggested that prior approval of the state government should be sought for sample testing and research activities related to Nipah virus. Before sending the samples to the authorized labs, information including patient details should be forwarded to the district offices of the Public Health department as well as the District Surveillance Officer. 

Government supervision will be made mandatory for research activities conducted by various agencies. Government will be a partner in research conducted by agencies in the health sector. 

Nipah virus (NIV) is one of the deadliest viruses and guidelines must be followed to handle it with utmost care, the health department said. Biosafety level 4 viruses have a mortality rate of 40-90 percent. The laboratories should conduct the Nipah test as per the instructions of the District Surveillance Officer and forward the test results to the officer. 

The Surveillance Officer should inform the hospitals and issue necessary precautions. The guidelines also state that if the test sample is used for research purposes, the permission of the state government should be obtained. 

If there is an intention to develop any new tests or treatments based on the information collected from the state, it should be informed to the government in advance. The team should include experts nominated by the state government.

“Some agencies may also attempt research aimed at future financial gain. Such agencies can collect biological samples from the area and develop antibodies for disease prevention. Government oversight and regulation is needed for conducting research on individuals who have recovered from the disease,” said Dr Anish TS, State Medical Board (Niaph) member.