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India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Kerala has 571 on Nipah contact list, 27 at highest risk, says Health Minister
Kerala has placed 571 people on the Nipah virus contact list across five districts, Health Minister Veena George said after a high-level review meeting on contact list includes 62 individuals from Malappuram, 418 from Palakkad, 89 from Kozhikode, and one each from Ernakulam and people are currently under treatment in isolation in Malappuram. One person in Palakkad is also being treated in isolation. Meanwhile, ten people, one from Malappuram, two from Palakkad, and seven from Kozhikode, have been removed from the contact list after completing their isolation According to the health department, 27 people in the state fall under the highest risk category, while 78 are considered high health minister chaired a meeting with top officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of Health, NHM State Mission Director, Directors of Health and Medical Education, District Collectors, police officials, and other department heads, to assess the situation and coordinate containment intensified surveillance follows the second Nipah-related death reported in Kerala last week. A 57-year-old man from Mannarkkad in Palakkad died after developing severe respiratory distress, initial tests confirmed Nipah a death was reported in Malappuram this year. In 2024, the state also saw another death linked to Nipah virus officials continue to urge vigilance and adherence to protocols to prevent further spread.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health minister says strict action will be taken after ambulance blocked during protest leads to patient's death
Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister Veena George said strict action will be taken against those responsible for the incident in which a patient died due to an ambulance being blocked near Vithura taluk hospital, on Sunday. The incident is extremely distressing and should never have happened, the minister added. The incident occurred on Saturday when the ambulance carrying 44-year-old Binu, an Adivasi from the tribal hamlet near Vithura, was being rushed to the medical college hospital after he tried to die by suicide. On the way, the ambulance got caught in the protest being carried out by the Congress mandalam committee at Vithura. By the time Binu reached the medical college hospital, he was declared brought dead. Binu was first taken to the Vithura taluk hospital. However, after providing immediate treatment, the doctors asked Binu's relatives to immediately shift him to the medical college hospital. Binu's relatives alleged that despite repeated pleas, the protestors did not allow the ambulance to move. The relatives alleged that the ambulance got stranded for half an hour.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Nipah: Over 580 people on contact list in state
Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: Health minister Veena George stated on Saturday that the situation of Nipah infections in the state was under control. "Everything is orderly, under control. There is nothing to worry about. As per scientific protocol, we are ensuring that everything is being done," she said. A total of 581 people are on Nipah contact list across various districts in the state. In Malappuram, there are 63 people, 420 in Palakkad, 96 in Kozhikode and one person each in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. In Malappuram, 14 persons are undergoing treatment in isolation. Those who completed their isolation period, including 47 from Malappuram, one from Palakkad and 19 from Kozhikode, were removed from the contact list. In Palakkad, 13 people are receiving treatment in isolation. In the state, a total of 29 people are under high-risk category and another 78 individuals are under high-risk surveillance. The minister has instructed the medical board to make a decision regarding the containment zone. 15-year-old girl admitted to Thrissur med college hospital Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl from Perinthalmanna, suspected to be infected by Nipah virus , was admitted to Thrissur govt medical college hospital on Friday night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She was admitted to the isolation ward of the medical college after she showed symptoms resembling Nipah infection. She is under close observation at the medical college. Samples collected from her were sent for virology tests. Hospital authorities told the media that they were awaiting the test results and further medication would be started based on the results. Health officials have been asked to report any cases of fever and encephalitis with symptoms of Nipah to the district and state health wing.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Nipah surveillance: 33 removed from contact list in Kerala as 648 remain under watch
Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 648 people are currently on the Nipah virus contact list across several districts in Kerala, as per a statement from the office of State Health Minister Veena George. Of the total, 421 are from Palakkad, 110 from Malappuram, 115 from Kozhikode, and one each from Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. This also includes 17 people who remain in isolation in Palakkad. In Malappuram, 13 people are currently under isolation. The district has so far reported 97 sample tests, all of which have returned negative. Notably, 21 people from Malappuram and 12 from Palakkad have completed their isolation period and have been removed from the contact list, the statement read. Across the state, 30 people are under the "highest risk surveillance" category, while 97 others have been identified as part of the high-risk group, it added. Meanwhile, Health Minister George has also directed the One Health Centre for Nipah Research to document all matters related to the outbreak. Notably, an ICMR team visited Malappuram to assess the situation. On July 14, Kerala's Palakkad district reported a second Nipah case after a 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur near Mannarkkad tested positive for the virus following his demise at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. According to officials, field-level activities have been intensified in the area. Fever surveillance is also continuing. Further monitoring will be carried out, including the mobile tower location. The minister also directed the team to be strengthened in case another case is found. Ten people are currently under treatment in Malappuram, of whom two are in intensive care. The state has now categorised 36 individuals as being in the highest-risk group and 128 under high-risk monitoring. An alert has also been issued to hospitals in 6 districts in the wake of the second Nipah case. A special alert has been issued to hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur districts along with directions to report any case of fever or encephalitis with Nipah symptoms.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Inspections conducted across Kerala to ensure safe coconut oil in market
T'puram: The food safety department conducted a three-day statewide inspection from Wednesday to Friday as part of 'Operation Life' to ensure that safe coconut oil is sold in the market, health minister Veena George said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Inspections were carried out at 980 establishments, including coconut oil manufacturing units, wholesale and retail outlets. Rectification notices were issued to 25 establishments, and compounding fines were levied on seven establishments. A total of 161 statutory samples and 277 surveillance samples were collected for further testing, she said. Considering the rising coconut oil prices, the food safety department intensified inspections to prevent adulterated coconut oil from entering the market, the minister said. George urged the public to remain vigilant against the sale of adulterated coconut oil. "If there are any doubts about the quality of coconut oil, information should be reported to the food safety complaint toll-free number 1800 425 1125. Manufacturers and traders should ensure the safety of coconut oil in the market. Inspections will continue, and any illegal sales will be addressed under the Food Safety and Standards Act," she said.
