Kozhikode Nipah Patient Tests Negative Twice, Remains on Ventilator
The Kerala Health department has reported that two sets of body fluid samples from the 43-year-old Nipah patient from Ramanattukara have tested negative for the virus over the past week. However, the patient continues to be on ventilator support at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode since June 10, with the infection officially confirmed a day later.
In a release on Tuesday, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that the medical board will decide on the patient's follow-up treatment. Most of the patient's close contacts are no longer under observation, with only three individuals in the lowest risk category currently being monitored.
Four people in the highest risk category and three in the high risk category completed their mandatory 21-day quarantine period on Tuesday. This includes two family members and two healthcare workers. Additionally, 24 people in the lowest risk category have been removed from the observation list.
Minister Muraleedharan credited accurate diagnosis and strong containment measures for preventing the spread of the infection. He noted that health officials were able to compile a complete contact list and keep them under observation without imposing containment zones that could disrupt livelihoods. The patient's native place will be declared 'Nipah free' after a 42-day observation period ends.
