Thiruvananthapuram: After Pune’s National Institute of Virology has confirmed that the Kerala 23-year-old youth, who was admitted to a private hospital in Ernakulam is affected by the Nipah virus, Kerala health minister KK Shailaja said four more people are found to have the symptoms of Nipah virus.

According to reports, two nurses who treated the youth are found to have the symptoms of Nipah virus and they have been shifted to observation rooms. Apart from them, two classmates of the Nipah virus-affected patient are also suffering from high fever and one among them has been moved to an isolation ward in Government Medical College, Kalammassery. Fever samples from this person will be sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, and NIV Alleppey today.

During the press meet, Shailaja requested the public not to spread any wrong information, primarily through social media about Nipah. 

A year ago, Nipah virus had claimed 18 lives in Kerala’s Kozhikode.

Precautions are always better than cure:

If you have excessive fatigue and drowsiness along with fever and cough, you should meet a doctor immediately. Do not forget to wear masks and gloves. Do not spend too much time with patients. Do not eat fruits and vegetables, which have been partially eaten by birds and animals. 

Avoid eating mango, guava and java apple. Do not use any of the things, which have been kept in open pots. People should be more serious about health if they are staying near where there are more bats. Keep yourself clean and tidy. If you go to a nearby hospital, you should wash your hands and feet clean with soap.