A big sigh of relief in Kozhikode as 8 samples of close contacts of Nipah virus victim test negative

Kozhikode: The people and the officials here has heaved a big sigh of relief as the anxiously awaited result of the samples of eight persons who had close contact with the Nipah virus victim, including his mother, has been tested Negative.

Announcing this here on Tuesssy morning, the Health Minister Veena George said the result from National Institute of Virology is a good sign as none of those who had close association with the boy, who succumbed to the virus on Sunday last, had infected with Nipah.

It was late on Saturday that the National Institute of Virology in Pune had confirmed Nipah infection in the boy who succumbed to the virus early on Sunday last.

Meanwhile, efforts to trace the origin of the virus is continuing.

As per the revised contact list, as many as 251 persons, including 129 health workers, are put under observation. Out of the total 38 contacts are categorized as high-risk contacts and have been isolated.

Facilty for testing of samples has been arranged at the medical college hospital from Tuesday.

Samples of five more contacts are being examined and result awaited. (UNI)