Shylaja also added that two nurses who had treated the patient in the hospital had also complained of discomfort in their throat. (Representative image)(Arun Sharma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Shylaja also added that two nurses who had treated the patient in the hospital had also complained of discomfort in their throat. (Representative image)(Arun Sharma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) 
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NIV Pune Confirms 23-Year-Old Admitted In Ernakulam Has Contacted Nipah Virus

BySwarajya Staff

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune has confirmed that a 23-year-old student who was admitted to a private hospital on Ernakulam on 30 May, has contracted the Nipah virus, the News Minute reports. The deadly Nipah virus was the reason for 17 people’s death last year.

The Kerala government had earlier sent the students blood samples to the NIV in Pune and Alappuzha. While the NIV Alappuzha could not confirm whether the student had contracted Nipah, the government was waiting for a confirmation from NIV Pune.

“The confirmation came in today morning. But there is no need to panic. From the time we suspected this was Nipah, we have put all measures into place,” Health Minister KK Shylaja said while adding that the patient is now stable.

Shylaja also added that two nurses who had treated the patient in the hospital had also complained of discomfort in their throat. “We have started giving them the necessary treatment as well,” the minister said.

According to an NDTV report, more than 80 people, including 22 students, were put under surveillance on Monday (3 May). Health officials have started to inspect all the places the student had visited in the past few days. The Kerala government has also requested people not to panic.