Kerala Health Minister Veena George Reports Negative Nipah Virus Tests for Eight More People
Kozhikode (Kerala) [India], July 25: Serum samples of eight more people in Kerala have tested negative for the Nipah virus, according to Health Minister Veena George. So far, samples of 66 people on the contact list of a 15-year-old boy from Malappura district who died of the Nipah virus have tested negative.
The minister stated that two more people with symptoms of the disease have been admitted to hospitals, bringing the number of people currently under treatment at Manjeri and Kozhikode Medical Colleges to eight. Minister George participated online in the Nipah review meeting held at the Malappuram Collectorate this evening.
Currently, there are 472 people on the contact list, with 220 categorized as high-risk. As part of the Nipah prevention activities, health workers have completed home visits in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats in Malappuram. According to the minister, health workers visited 1,477 homes today, adding up to a total of 27,908 homes visited so far. Additionally, mental health services were provided to 227 people today.
The Minister emphasized that all individuals on the contact list must strictly follow the isolation guidelines for 21 days. Discharged patients must also adhere to isolation guidelines. Strict action will be taken against those who do not comply, the minister said.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Health Minister -: A Health Minister is a government official responsible for public health and medical services in a region or country. In this case, Veena George is the Health Minister of Kerala.
Veena George -: Veena George is a politician and the current Health Minister of Kerala. She is responsible for managing health-related issues in the state.
Nipah virus -: Nipah virus is a dangerous virus that can cause severe illness in humans. It can spread from animals to humans and also from person to person.
symptomatic -: Symptomatic means showing symptoms or signs of illness. If someone is symptomatic, they might have a fever, cough, or other signs of being sick.
isolation -: Isolation is a way to keep sick people away from healthy people to stop the spread of disease. In this case, people are kept away from others for 21 days to make sure they don’t spread the Nipah virus.
mental health services -: Mental health services help people who are feeling stressed, anxious, or sad. These services include talking to counselors or therapists to feel better.
high-risk -: High-risk means having a greater chance of getting sick. In this context, 220 people are more likely to get the Nipah virus because they were in close contact with someone who had it.
