Nipah tests negative in Malappuram

But rise in dengue cases causes worry

Halth authorities in the district heaved a sigh of relief on Friday when the tests of the serum collected from five persons in the district were ruled negative for Nipah virus by the National Institute of Virology, Pune.

“There is nothing to worry,” said District Medical Officer (DMO) K. Sakeena on Friday. However, health officials did not hide their concern about the increasing cases of dengue infections in the district.

Medical authorities have issued an unpublished warning about potential outbreak of haemorrhagic fever during the monsoon in the district. A district medical official said that dengue was being reported from different parts of the district. They said the number had increased recently.

Surgical masks and gloves have been arranged at the control room set up here. Dr. Sakeena said that doctors, health workers, bystanders, and private hospitals could make use of them. Dr. Sakeena said people should not forward baseless messages about the health situation.

Juma sermons

Muslim scholars, meanwhile, used the Juma sermons on Friday to create awareness among people about Nipah virus and communicable diseases. They urged the people to abide by the guidelines issued by the health authorities and not to be misled by the false messages of some vested groups.

District Collector Amit Meena had requested the Muslim community leaders to help the authorities by creating awareness among people. Muneer Hudawi, who led the Juma prayers at Town Juma Masjid, Valanchery, said it was obligatory for every Muslim to abstain from means endangering their health.