Kozhikode: A seven-member expert team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is scheduled to arrive in Kozhikode on Saturday to review Nipah containment measures as health authorities continue surveillance following the district's latest confirmed case.

The Union government team, which includes NCDC doctors, is expected to inspect locations linked to the suspected source of infection, including a warehouse connected to the case involving a Ramanattukara resident. The experts will also hold discussions with the district collector and specialist doctors at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital to assess the situation.

No new Nipah cases have been reported in the district so far, according to Health Minister K Muraleedharan.

Surveillance intensified after confirmed case

The minister said three people under quarantine have been admitted to hospital for observation and their samples have been sent for testing as part of ongoing surveillance.

A 43-year-old man who tested positive for Nipah virus infection is currently undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. The minister said the patient has received the first dose of monoclonal antibody therapy in line with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines and on the recommendation of a medical board.

Health authorities have expanded contact tracing efforts, adding 10 more people to the surveillance list. The total number of contacts under monitoring now stands at 87.

Of these, four are classified as highest-risk contacts, 16 as high-risk and 67 as low-risk. Officials said all contacts are being monitored through twice-daily calls from the control room.

As part of preventive measures, health workers surveyed 286 houses in Ward 5 of Ramanattukara municipality, where the Nipah case was reported. Twelve people with fever were identified during the survey, but none showed symptoms associated with Nipah infection.

A meeting of the Rapid Response Team was also held in Ramanattukara to review ongoing containment activities.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan raised concerns over the reported availability of medicines required for treating the patient. He said hospital authorities had reportedly indicated shortages of essential drugs and urged the state government to ensure timely supplies.

The health minister had earlier stated that there was no shortage of medicines required for treatment and containment measures and said a medicine that needs to be imported was available in Chennai and would be brought to Kozhikode.