Nipah Virus: 6 suspected patients' reports clean, only one confirmed positive. Here are the precautions that need to be taken

Samples of body fluids taken from six patients who were suspected of Nipah at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kochi were tested Negative.

Kerala Health Minister, KK Shailaja, on Thursday, confirmed that 7 patients are admitted to hospital, one person is tested positive and 6 patient's results are negative.

However, she said that the six patients who were tested negative have not been discharged from the isolation ward. The minister, on Wednesday, added that the condition of the 23- year old patient who was confirmed of Nipah virus was stable. She reassured the people of Kerala and told them not to panic.

Here are some of her tweets:

Read: Kerala government confirms one case of Nipah virus in Kochi, assures preparedness

Health officials in Kerala have issued guidelines to prevent the transmission of Nipah. Some of them are:

• In order to minimise and avoid transmission of Nipah virus, one should wash hands with soap and water after contacting an infecting person or virus.
• People should avoid consuming raw date palm sap or toddy. 
• Use nose mask which prevents inhaling virus 
• Immediately seek medical attention if a person shows any symptoms - nausea, severe head-ache, fever, excessive body pain or myalgia

At the moment, a total of 314 people have been quarantined or placed under observation for having been in immediate contact with the infected patient.

Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla said that the district administration had ensured all measures were in place to ensure prevention and spread of the infection.

Dr Balamurali from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) at Alappuzha, Dr Rima Sahay and Dr Anita from the NIV at Pune, reached the district on Wednesday.

The District collector had issued instructions to the animal husbandry department to monitor the health condition of livestock and to immediately report back in case of any animal showing Nipah- like symptoms.

Also Read: Kerala government in constant contact with health ministry after Nipah virus confirmation: CM

The Labour Department carried out inspections at migrant labour camps in the district and issued notices to those found to be unhygienic. Three-layered N-95 masks have been stocked. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Viyan is expected to reach Kochi, on Thursday,  for reviewing the situation.