Nipah: 8 suspected cases test negative, patient condition remains critical
Thiruvananthapuram, May 10 (PTI): The Kerala government on Saturday said that eight more people, who had come into contact with a Nipah virus infected patient in Malappuram district, tested negative for the disease.
However, the infected patient continues to be in critical condition despite being given one dose of monoclonal antibodies on Friday, state Health Minister Veena George said in a statement.
Another dose would be administered to the patient on Saturday, she said.
With eight more testing negative, the total number of persons who have been cleared of the disease has reached 25, the statement.
Meanwhile, 37 more were added to the contact list of the infected patient, bringing the total number to 94, it said.
Of these, 53 are in the high risk category with 40 of them from Malappuram, 11 from Palakkad and one each from Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts of the state, it said.
The remaining 43 are in the low risk category, the statement said.
Besides the infected person, five others are under treatment in various hospitals in the state, the minister said in the statement.
A joint outbreak investigation has been started in Malappuram district with the coordination of various departments, the statement said.
It also said that health workers visited 1,781 homes in that district during the day as part of a fever survey.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
