KOZHIKODE: The deadly virus NiV that has claimed 14 lives so far in the state has subsided. There are three confirmed cases under treatment, two from Kozhikode and a Malappuram native. On Monday, the number of suspected cases was put at seven after ruling out the negative result samples. As many as 101 samples were negative of the total 117 sample results received. Health Minister K.K. Shylaja told reporters here that the virus was under control but government was ready for the second phase if needed.
“To meet the second phase, a separate isolation ward will be set up at KMCH. Ventilator, X-ray, lab facilities will be arranged at the ward. High-level alert will be put in place till June 10, which is considered to be the end of incubation period,” she said. A total of 908 persons are under observation as they interacted with the patients. Health secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said that the genomic pattern of the NiV found in Perambra had similarity to that of the virus in Bangladesh.
“The hypothesis is that it is similar to that of Bangladesh virus. The virus found in the Malaysian strain is weak which reflected in the low mortality rate there. Bangladesh strain is more powerful claiming more lives,” he said. The mortality rate is high here, as of the 17 confirmed cases, 14 had died including first deceased, Sabith. “NiV has been found in the fruit bats which have teropous genes. The virus will be with the bat all the time but would be spread on rare occasions like its breeding period,” added Mr Sadanandan.
The medicine compound, M 102.4 human monoclonal antibody, developed in Australia will reach Kozhikode on Tuesday. The drug is still under trial but had proved to be successful in 14 afflicted persons in Queensland. Meanwhile, the government has postponed the opening of educational institutions, including professional colleges in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts to June 5.
