No new deaths or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection were reported in the State on Monday.
R.L. Saritha, Director, Health Services, told the media that eight new suspected cases were admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, on the day, taking the total number under observation there to 14. However, the lab results of blood and other body fluid samples of seven of them had turned out to be negative and they would be discharged soon. Of the three infected people being treated at two hospitals, two were found to be stable. So far, the results of 117 samples had come, of which 95 were negative.
Additional Chief Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said the genetic sequence of the Nipah virus strain found in the victims in Kerala was similar to that of the strain found in Bangladesh. He said the strain found in Malaysia was less dangerous as the mortality rate there was lower. In Bangladesh, as well as here, the mortality rate was higher. Asked if a similar outbreak could happen here next year too, Mr. Sadanandan said a possibility could not be ruled out. “We need to be cautious to avoid it.”
