Kerala govt eases restrictions in Kozhikode as more Nipah samples test negative

Kerala government decided to ease restrictions in containment wards in Kozhikode where a 12-year-old boy succumbed to Nipah virus.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government decided to ease restrictions in containment wards in Kozhikode where a 12-year-old boy succumbed to Nipah virus. The decision comes in the light of zero reporting of Nipah virus during the incubation period of 14 days.

Health Minister Veena George said that the ninth ward of Chathamangalam panchayat, where the boy died due to Nipah, will remain as a containment zone. Shops have been allowed to open in other areas. Those exhibiting symptoms are ordered to confine to home. As per the directions, health workers should be notified immediately if issues get aggravated.

Health Minister also added that Covid vaccination which was halted due to reporting of the Nipah case will resume. Those who exhibit symptoms are directed not to head for inoculation. "There are 9,593 people in the containment zone who are yet to get the first dose of vaccine," Minister said.

A 12-year-old boy had died due to Nipah in the early hours of September 5. Soon after reports confirmed that he died of Nipah virus, local authorities geared up to check any further spread of the deadly virus in Kozhikode and surrounding areas. They declared a health alert in the district and cordoned off about three kilometres around the house of the deceased boy.

Pazhoor (Ward-9) of Chathamangalam panchayat was fully closed and nearby wards of Nayarkuzhy, Koolimad, Puthiyadam wards were partially closed. A team from the National Centre for Disease Control had visited the boy's house.