Despite repeated Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala, the long-promised Biosafety Level 3 lab at Kozhikode Medical College, announced in 2018, remains unfinished. While a basic Biosafety Level 2 lab handles current testing, the advanced Level 3 lab, which would enhance virus research and testing, is still under construction.

Schools and educational institutions in Kozhikode district are set to reopen on Monday (Sep 25). As per the advisory issued by district collector A. Geetha, online classes will continue in the containment zones.
 

District Collector A Geetha informed that the classes will be conducted online from September 18 to September 23 in the educational institutions of the district. Students should not be brought to educational institutions under any circumstances.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that no fresh cases of Nipah were reported on Saturday. She also said that 11 samples that were sent for Nipah testing turned out to be negative.

 The Kozhikode district has implemented new restrictions to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus. The order was issued by District Collector A. Gita on Thursday and stated that gatherings or public events of any kind in the containment zones have been restricted.

The active cases of the Nipah virus now stand at 4 in Kerala. Earlier, two persons succumbed to the disease. The situation of a 9-year-old boy continues to remain critical.

Kerala News highlights: Nipah virus: Holiday for educational institutions till Saturday in Kozhikode

The samples that were sent for testing following the death of two in Kozhikode have turned out to be positive for the Nipah virus. The district has been put on high alert.

After two deaths were reported in Kozhikode over similar symptoms the Health Department suspect it to be a case of Nipah virus. The confirmation is likely to be available by Tuesday (Sep 12) afternoon.

The Centre rushed an expert team to Kerala to support the state in public health measures after a case of Nipah virus was detected in the Kozhikode district and to evaluate the situation.