more-in The focus of the Health Department has now shifted to surveillance steps to prevent the Nipah virus infection from spreading to the contacts of the deceased, those undergoing treatment, and people suspected of being infected. After a review meeting here on Monday, Health Minister K.K. Shylaja told the media that the ongoing measures would have to continue at least until June 10. The incubation period, the interval between virus infection to the manifestation of its symptoms, of those under observation would end around that date, she said. Almost 83% of the blood and other body fluid samples of suspected persons had been negative in the recent days and very few new cases were being reported. Only three confirmed patients were undergoing treatment at hospitals. Ms. Shylaja said the infection had so far been reported from people belonging to Kozhikode and Malappuram districts and had not spread to other places. However, caution would have to be exercised as there was a chance of the infection appearing in the close contacts of the deceased, those around them such as caregivers and relatives, and the hospital staff who had been attending to these patients. Helpline The Health Department would activate a helpline number so that anyone could report suspected cases. She pointed out that the the government would ensure that the doctors and staff at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, were provided enough personal protection equipment. The help of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences would be sought if there was any shortage. The Minister said the isolation wards functioning at the medical college hospital would be converted to full-fledged wards with facilities such as portable X-rays, ventilators, and laboratories. Later, steps would be taken to set up isolation blocks in all medical college hospitals to attend the epidemic cases being reported every year. Asked about the human monoclonal antibody to be procured from Australia to counter the effects of the infection, Rajeev Sadanandan, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), said it was expected to reach Kerala in the next few days. It had been administered to 14 patients on compassionate grounds in the U.S. and Australia and was found to neutralise the effects of the virus. Experts from the ICMR would oversee the operations here, he added.

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