Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday confirmed that the state’s sole Nipah virus patient in Malappuram district has tested negative in two consecutive samples and is now considered virus-free.
The 42-year-old woman from Ward 2 of Valanchery municipality, who tested positive for Nipah on May 8, was undergoing treatment at EMS Cooperative Hospital in Perinthalmanna.
“The patient has been off ventilator support for the past 12 days and is now breathing independently. Internal organs like the liver and kidneys are also functioning normally. Although the patient has not yet regained full consciousness, brain activity is gradually showing signs of improvement,” said Health Minister George in an official statement.
According to the hospital’s intensive care team the MRI scans of the patient are showing healing in areas previously damaged by the virus. Subtle responses to pain and movements in the eyes and jaw have also been noted.
Doctors were hopeful the patient could be discharged in the coming weeks with full physical and mental recovery, George said.
The minister said that the incubation period for the virus has now passed without any new cases being reported. However, support services and helplines will continue for a few more days as a precaution.
The patient continues to be under close observation by a full critical care team at the EMS Cooperative hospital.
Minister George emphasised that the patient received advanced treatment, including Remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research. “When Nipah first struck Kerala, the fatality rate exceeded 90 per cent. However, since 2021 with use of antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibody treatment, the rate has dropped, falling to 33 per cent in 2023,” she said.
Written by Debosmita Maity