Kerala govt says it does not expect second wave of Nipah virus

The Kerala government today said that it would continue to maintain strict vigil against Nipah, though it does not expect a second wave of the virus outbreak.

Winding up a discussion in the state assembly on the situation prevailing in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, the worst hit by the deadly virus, Health Minister K K Shylaja said the medical task force and expert teams would continue to monitor the situation till this month-end.

The minister said the toll due to the virus was now 17 after including the death of Mohammad Sabith, the first victim, whose samples were tested later.

It was only after Sabith's brother, Mohammed Salih, fell ill on May 17 and died with similar symptoms, were the samples tested at the National Institute of Virology, Manipal, and it was confirmed that he had Nipah.

Two other family members-- Sabith's father Moosa and an aunt Mariyummaalso fell victim to the infection.

The minister said though the incubation period of the virus was 21 days, they were not taking any chances and would continue the vigil for 42 days till the end of this month.

Quoting experts from the National Institute of Epidemiology, she said the state does not expect a second wave of the infection.

Samples of the suspected persons tested in the last two days were negative, she said while replying to an adjournment motion on the issue moved by the Congress led UDF opposition.

"The government has taken all steps to ensure that even a second peak of the infection will not get strengthened," she said.

Medical facilities, including isolation wards, have been set up in the Kozhikode Medical College hospital, she said.

Lauding the contribution of health workers of hospitals and Kozhikode corporation,she mentioned the services of Dr R S Gopakumar, Health officer,who came forward to accept the bodies of Nipah patients from the hospital and perform their last rites.

The minister came down on the action of some people who used social media to spread false information on the virus and said 12 cases had been registered against persons, following the active intervention of the home department and police.

She also sought the co-operation and support of all sections of society to ally fears among people about the disease.

On the antibody vaccine for the infection brought from Australia, the minister said it would be used only if fresh cases emerged.

She said government has decided to strengthen the labortory facilities in the state in view of the outbreak.

Earlier, participating in the debate, leader of the opposition in the assembly Ramesh Chennithala wanted the government to strengthen modern preventive measures in the wake of Nipah.

He also said that the Oppposition had raised the issue in the larger public interest and not on any political grounds.

The motion was moved by IUML leader and former state minister M K Muneer.