Three close contacts of a Nipah-infected person in Kozhikode test negative for the virus

Nipah Isolation Department. Photo used for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said the three highest-risk contacts of the 43-year-old Nipah-infected patient from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode have tested negative for the virus, indicating that community spread of the deadly zoonotic disease is currently unlikely.

Three contacts, who are also his close family members, are under observation at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) since June 12. The tests were carried out in the hospital’s microbiology laboratory. Another four people on the contact list are being monitored at MCH, according to a press release citing Mr Muraleedharan. Thirteen more people in the lowest risk category were added to the list. There are currently 100 people in the contact list. Eighty-two belong to the lowest risk category, 14 to the high risk category and four to the highest risk category.

ICMR team visit

Meanwhile, a team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has arrived in the district to take stock of the situation. The team visited the MCH where the infected person is receiving treatment. Its members also participated in the review at the collectorate, which was attended by AP Revenue Minister Anil Kumar, who is the district in-charge.

Official sources said the patient continued to be on ventilator support. He was given the first dose of the monoclonal antibody on June 12. The medical board will assess the situation after 48 hours and give him a second dose, they added.

Mr. Anil Kumar earlier told the media that from the current scenario it can be assumed that there has been no widespread spread of the infection. There was no need to declare a closed zone and impose restrictions, he said. People from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kannur were on the contact list, he said.

No downtime: Minister

The minister maintained that there was no mistake in the austerity measures as claimed by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) leaders. There are 320 houses in the area where the infected person comes from. Paramedics addressed all residents. According to him, the health system is fully prepared to handle the situation.

This comes in the backdrop of accusations by Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, Beypore MLA PA Mohamed Riyas and CPI(M) Kozhikode district secretary M Mehboob accusing the political leadership of being lethargic towards the current situation. Mr. Riyas staged a protest outside the Nipah control room in Kozhikode collectorate on Saturday, alleging that no steps had been taken to address the concerns of local residents.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 15:44 IST