he Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, is closely monitoring the situation following the confirmed case of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) in Kerala. Assuring the public, he stated, “I urge citizens not to panic. The Government is fully alert and taking all necessary measures. I am personally reviewing the situation in coordination with the State Health Minister of Kerala, Smt. K. K. Shailaja, and receiving daily updates from senior officials including Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare).”
A Central Team, dispatched under the Health Minister’s directives, conducted a detailed review with the Kerala State Health Department and district authorities. Key focus areas included:
Line listing of all contacts and daily follow-up for symptom monitoring
Categorization of contacts into high-risk groups (e.g., family and healthcare workers)
Implementation of PPE protocols and guidelines for symptomatic contacts
Establishing quarantine procedures and sample testing pathways
Training and deployment of healthcare personnel at isolation wards
Epidemiological investigations into potential sources and exposure routes
Systematic record-keeping and information-sharing from the District Control Room
Public Health Measures in Place
The following steps have been initiated by the Kerala State Health Department:
A designated Control Room at the District Collector’s office with a dedicated helpline
Isolation wards operational at:
Government Medical College, Ernakulam
Calicut, Thrissur, and Kottayam Medical Colleges
Rapid response teams and PEID (Public Health Emergency & Infectious Disease) units activated
High alert at all healthcare facilities for early detection and safe referral
Daily Core Group meetings for assessment and rapid response
Official evening bulletins to communicate updates on NiVD
Current Situation Summary (As of June 2019)
One confirmed case, currently stable and under clinical care
314 contacts are being monitored daily
5 symptomatic contacts are in quarantine; samples sent for testing
The Strategic Health Operations Centre (SHOC) has been activated at NCDC
20 public queries addressed via the NCDC control room hotline
Case Profile: Mr. Gokul Krishna Dileep (Age 21)
Resident of Paravur; student in Thodupuzha, Idukki district
First showed symptoms on 23 May 2019 while in Thrissur
Consulted hospitals in Thrissur and Ernakulam; later developed disorientation
Samples tested Nipah-positive at NIV Pune on 3 June 2019
Patient is now stable, conscious, and oriented; family contacts remain healthy
Resources and Guidelines
FAQs on Nipah Virus
Case definitions and clinical management guidelines
Protocols for infection control, sample transport, and safe disposal of deceased
Public advisories and community awareness materials
The Ministry urges citizens to stay informed via official sources and avoid rumors. Early detection, proper hygiene, and timely reporting remain key to managing the situation effectively.
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