Kochi: Six patients who were under observation suspecting Nipah Virus at the Government Medical College here were tested negative, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said on Thursday. The lab report received from the National Virology Institute in Pune showed that the six patients were not affected with Nipah, the Minister told newspersons. Though the latest report gives much relief, the preparation to counter the deadly virus will continue, Ms Shailaja added.
The samples of six people suffering from fever were sent to Pune as they were under observation following reports that they have been in contact with the 23-year-old college student who tested positive to Nipah infection. The primary test conducted at the Virology Institute in Alappuzha had also not showed the Nipah infection on the six patients , the Minister added. The blood sample of another person admitted at Kothamangalam hospital will be sent to Pune today. Meanwhile, Aster Medicity Hospital sources said the college student was responding to the Rebavirin medicine.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will convene a meeting of top health department officials this afternoon to review the situation in the wake of Nipah outbreak. As many as 314 people were under observation in the State after the report of positive Nipah case.
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