State to remain on public health alert

No new Nipah cases in second wave: Minister

Health Minister K.K. Shylaja reassured the Assembly on Tuesday that no new Nipah cases were reported so far in the much dreaded “second wave” of the viral flare-up in north Kerala.

Replying to an adjournment motion moved by Deputy Leader of the Opposition M.K. Muneer (Indian Union Muslim League), Ms. Shylaja said none of the second set of patients had tested positive for the virus. It was a heartening indication that the contagion could be abating.

Incubation period

Nipah has an incubation period of 21 days and the State would continue to remain on the public health emergency alert at least until the end of June.

Patients tested positive for Nipah only when the infection peaked and doctors have factored it in to their treatment protocol.

The government has imported anti-Nipah drugs from Australia.

Currently, no patient required the administration of the untested medicine. However, the government has stored it in -80-degrees Celsius cold chamber for use if needed.

It has also supplied anti-contamination suits, masks, and gloves to caregivers and medical personnel who run the highest risk of contracting the infection.

The Hindu’s editorial

The Minister quoted The Hindu ’s editorial titled The Nipah Test on May 23 as a testimony to the government response to the outbreak which claimed 16 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram.

It said “Kerala’s public health systems have acted with extraordinary efficiency so far. Doctors identified the virus in the very second patient, a diagnostic speed unrivalled in developing countries. This must be commended.”

Ms. Shylaja paid tribute to Lini Puthussery, contract nurse at the Perambra taluk hospital, who succumbed to Nipah after coming into close contact with her patients.

She also thanked Kozhikode Baby Memorial Hospital doctors Anoop Kumar A.S. and Ramakrishnan for recognising the infection as Nipah.

Ms. Shylaja thanked IUML leaders for convincing the community to forego taking the bodies home to reduce the risk of the contagion. She lauded health officer Gopan, Kozhikode, who dared to handle the dead when many dithered. Later, Dr. Muneer withdrew his motion with the permission of the House.