Kozhikode: The Kerala government on Monday said the Nipah outbreak in the state is under control as there were no new positive cases for the third consecutive day and that the already infected patients were getting better. State Health Minister Veena George said that 71 samples sent for testing had returned negative on Monday. More than 200 high-risk patients have tested negative so far. "The situation is under control presently" she said adding that the condition of the 9-year-old boy who was on ventilator support earlier is steadily improving. George said that all the four infected persons were getting better. Out of the 1233 people on the contact list 352 are high-risk the Minister added. The minister was speaking to reporters after a review of the Nipah situation in this north Kerala district of the state. Police help sought The health department had sought police support to attain the mobile tower locations of the deceased man from Maruthonkara to trace the source of the Nipah virus infection. Data has revealed that the deceased man stayed withinn his house and surroundings during the incubation period the minister said. The central team which was on a visit to the state to examine the disaster preparedeness will leave Kozhikode on Monday. NIT Calicut criticised Meanwhile the Minister slammed NIT Calicut for conducting classes without adhering to the district authoritys order. "The education departement must have shown more responsibilty in this regard" said district collector A Geetha. Inter-district restrictions to be relaxed Measures will be taken to counter the inter-district restrictions between Malappuram and Kozhikode said Minister Mohammed Riyas. At present three bridges connecting both the districts remained closed as they are connected to containment zones. Measures will be taken to connect commuting vehicles to the national highway the Minister said.

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