A team of experts reached the affected region in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, where cases of the deadly viral infection Nipah have been reported from, with mobile units equipped with bio-safety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory to help on-ground testing for contacts of those who have tested positive and symptomatic patients, officials said Thursday. Samples of the first four cases were sent to the National Institute of Virology-Pune for confirmatory testing. The six-member Central team sent to Kerala includes epidemiologists, microbiologists, neurologists, and a wildlife officer to help prevent the spread of the infection. The team is headed by Dr Mala Chhabra, microbiologist from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in Delhi. Meanwhile, Kerala government on Thursday said the monoclonal antibody required for treatment of those infected by Nipah virus has arrived in the state, PTI reported from Thiruvananthapuram. State Health Minister Veena George said a meeting was held between the Principal Secretary (Health) and the Union Health Ministry earlier in the day and the monoclonal antibody has arrived. On the antibody, George told reporters that stability of the medicine, which is not clinically proven yet but is the only available antiviral treatment for Nipah virus, was discussed with a central expert committee, PTI reported. “Further steps or course of action would be decided by the expert committee," she said. Earlier in the day, George said in the state Assembly: “There is no need for any apprehension. We can all together deal with the issue with caution.” On Thursday, Union Minister of State for Health Bharti Pravin Pawar visited NIV to meet scientists who are monitoring the situation. Pawar said all possible arrangements are being made by the Centre to deal with the viral outbreak. “The government is monitoring the situation and necessary steps for prevention of spread are being taken,” she said. The brain-damaging virus has killed two people and infected three others in Kozhikode district. On Wednesday, a 24-year old health worker became Kerala's fifth confirmed Nipah case since its recent outbreak. All educational institutions in Kozhikode district were closed on Thursday and Friday, PTI reported. In a Facebook post, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha stated that educational institutions can arrange online classes. However, there will be no change in university exams schedule, she said. - With PTI inputs from Thiruvananthapuram
