Kerala Nipah outbreak: 74 people tested negative so far, 267 on contact list

Malappuram (Kerala) [India], September 21 : Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday confirmed that the test results of six more individuals related to the Nipah virus outbreak returned negative.
According to the Health Minister's Office, "As of September 21, 74 test results have returned negative so far."
The current situation was evaluated in a review meeting led by Health Minister Veena George and it was assessed that no new individuals have been added to the contact list on Saturday.
At present, 267 people are on the contact list, including 81 healthcare workers. Among them, 177 are classified as primary contacts and 90 as secondary contacts. Of the primary contacts, 134 individuals are considered to be in the high-risk category.
Two individuals showing symptoms have been admitted to the Manjeri Medical College Hospital today, bringing the total to four at the facility.
An additional 28 individuals are receiving treatment at MES Medical College Hospital in Perinthalmanna.
Comprehensive psychological support is being provided to those on the contact list, with 274 individuals, including the six new cases, receiving support via the call centre on Saturday.
Earlier on September 17, Veena George met Union Health Minister JP Nadda in Delhi regarding the Nipah outbreak in Malappuram.
Outbreaks of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been reported in Kerala in the past, with the most recent one occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district.