Scaling down the fear of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-sample-of-7th-person-suspected-to-be-infected-tests-negative-225183">Nipah virus that gripped Kerala</a>, four suspected cases of Nipah virus who had been kept in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, have been shifted to the observation ward here on Sunday.

"Of the 11 suspected cases of Nipah virus who were admitted in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, four patients have been shifted to the observation ward after their condition improved significantly," Kerala government in its latest health bulletin said.

The condition of the seven who are still in the isolation ward is stable. However, over 325 people who are in contact with the virus affected patients are under the surveillance of the doctors, it further said.

Various medical experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and NIMHANS are examining the current situation in the state and are handling the sanitation drive.

According to the officials, while Nipah helpline has received 39 calls on Saturday itself, a total of 557 phone calls were received by the control room so far.

The training programmes that are being given at the block level will be expanded to the panchayat and municipal levels to fight the Nipah virus, it added.

On June 4, a 23-old-man had tested positive for Nipah virus infection, which killed 17 people in Kerala last year.As of now, a total of 15 people are under observation in the state.Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja had on Friday met Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and discussed the status and preparedness of her state for containment and management of Nipah Virus disease.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan had on June 4 said that the Centre had rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus.

Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and then spreads through people to people contact, causing respiratory illness. Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.&nbsp;

Scaling down the fear of Nipah virus that gripped Kerala, four suspected cases of Nipah virus who had been kept in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, have been shifted to the observation ward here on Sunday.

Scaling down the fear of Nipah virus that gripped Kerala, four suspected cases of Nipah virus who had been kept in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, have been shifted to the observation ward here on Sunday. "Of the 11 suspected cases of Nipah virus who were admitted in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, four patients have been shifted to the observation ward after their condition improved significantly," Kerala government in its latest health bulletin said. The condition of the seven who are still in the isolation ward is stable. However, over 325 people who are in contact with the virus affected patients are under the surveillance of the doctors, it further said. Various medical experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and NIMHANS are examining the current situation in the state and are handling the sanitation drive. According to the officials, while Nipah helpline has received 39 calls on Saturday itself, a total of 557 phone calls were received by the control room so far. The training programmes that are being given at the block level will be expanded to the panchayat and municipal levels to fight the Nipah virus, it added. On June 4, a 23-old-man had tested positive for Nipah virus infection, which killed 17 people in Kerala last year.As of now, a total of 15 people are under observation in the state.Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja had on Friday met Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and discussed the status and preparedness of her state for containment and management of Nipah Virus disease. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan had on June 4 said that the Centre had rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus. Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and then spreads through people to people contact, causing respiratory illness. Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.

Kerala: Four suspected of Nipah virus discharged from isolation ward in Kochi

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality.

During his brief stopover visit on Saturday, Modi hailed the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) for being the world's first fully solar-powered airport, a statement issued by the CIAL said here on Sunday.

During a discussion with CIAL Managing Director VJ Kurian, the prime minister endorsed the effort in tapping green energy for operating the airport, which has won it the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2018, the statement said.

The CIAL model of solarisation should inspire all other high-energy consumers, Modi said, adding that the possibilities of laying solar panels at probable locations needed to be explored. He also suggested that the roof of the galleries of stadiums could be used for that.

"Achieving power neutrality for big energy consumers is important for our country," the CIAL statement quoted the prime minister as having said.

Modi also instructed the CIAL to render its expertise for a massive deployment of solar energy, in tune with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an organisation of 78 countries which was formed by his initiative.

As part of the ISA's project, envoys of 40 countries visited the CIAL's solar power plants last month.

The prime minister was in Kerala on Saturday. He offered prayers at the famous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-is-as-significant-to-me-as-varanasi-pm-modi-in-guruvayur-225392">Lord Krishna temple at Guruvayur in Thrissur</a> district.

Modi met the CIAL officials before leaving for Maldives from the airport here on Saturday afternoon.

The CIAL at present is one of the largest green energy companies in the country with a total installed capacity of 40 MWp.

The airport, on an average, receives 1.62 lakhs units of power a day from the solar plant, whereas the daily consumption stands at around 1.52 lakhs units.

The airport achieved the status of power neutrality in August, 2015.

\The statement said Kurian handed over a memento and a brochure to the prime minister, which includes his tweets on the CIAL.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and state police chief Loknath Behra were also present during Modi's meeting with the CIAL officials, it added.&nbsp;

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality.

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality. During his brief stopover visit on Saturday, Modi hailed the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) for being the world's first fully solar-powered airport, a statement issued by the CIAL said here on Sunday. During a discussion with CIAL Managing Director VJ Kurian, the prime minister endorsed the effort in tapping green energy for operating the airport, which has won it the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2018, the statement said. The CIAL model of solarisation should inspire all other high-energy consumers, Modi said, adding that the possibilities of laying solar panels at probable locations needed to be explored. He also suggested that the roof of the galleries of stadiums could be used for that. "Achieving power neutrality for big energy consumers is important for our country," the CIAL statement quoted the prime minister as having said. Modi also instructed the CIAL to render its expertise for a massive deployment of solar energy, in tune with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an organisation of 78 countries which was formed by his initiative. As part of the ISA's project, envoys of 40 countries visited the CIAL's solar power plants last month. The prime minister was in Kerala on Saturday. He offered prayers at the famous Lord Krishna temple at Guruvayur in Thrissur district. Modi met the CIAL officials before leaving for Maldives from the airport here on Saturday afternoon. The CIAL at present is one of the largest green energy companies in the country with a total installed capacity of 40 MWp. The airport, on an average, receives 1.62 lakhs units of power a day from the solar plant, whereas the daily consumption stands at around 1.52 lakhs units. The airport achieved the status of power neutrality in August, 2015. \The statement said Kurian handed over a memento and a brochure to the prime minister, which includes his tweets on the CIAL. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and state police chief Loknath Behra were also present during Modi's meeting with the CIAL officials, it added.

PM Modi impressed by solar-powered Kochi airport; asks high-energy guzzlers to emulate it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a brief stop in Kerala today, on his way to the Maldives, which is his first international visit since becoming prime minister for his second term. Watch full video to know more.

Kerala: PM Modi performs traditional pooja at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur district of Kerala to offer prayers. Watch full video to know more.

Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur

Continuing his attack on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">prime minister</a> on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-president-rahul-gandhi-arrives-in-wayanad-for-three-day-visit-225247">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection.

On his first visit to his constituency after being elected to Lok Sabha, Gandhi addressed party workers at Kalpetta, Kambalakadu and Panamaram during a roadshow on Saturday.

A large number of Congress-led United Democratic Front workers and women thronged the route.

Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran were with Gandhi in his special vehicle.

Though it rained heavily in parts of the constituency Friday, the weather did not play spoilsport as it was bright and sunny till this noon. 
Gandhi said Modi "uses hatred, anger and lies" which are his "weapons".

He said his party will continue to fight the "worst sentiments" the prime minister represents.

"At the national level, we are fighting poison. Modi's campaign was filled with lies, poison, hatred and divided the people of the country. He used lies in the election... Congress stood for truth, love and affection," he said addressing the crowd at Kalpetta.

At Kambalakadu, Gandhi said there are big challenges in Wayanad which can be resolved by working together.

"My job is to represent all of Wayanad. People from all parties supported me in the election. There are big challenges and issues in Wayanad. We will work together and solve everything," he said.

Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad, in addition to his family bastion of Amethi, but lost to Union minister Smriti Irani in the Uttar Pradesh constituency. He won from Wayanad with a margin of about 4.31 lakh votes.

After the Congress party's poor show in the second consecutive general election, Gandhi had offered to resign as the Congress president, but it was rejected by the party's highest decision-making body.

Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 polls. However in Kerala, the only state besides Punjab and Tamil Nadu where it did well, the party and its allies won 19 out of 20 seats.

On Friday in Malappuram district, Gandhi said his party would emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor.

Attacking Modi, he said, "Modi may have money, he may have the media by his side, he may have rich friends. But the Congress will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP".

"The intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," Gandhi added.

The Congress president is on a three-day visit to the constituency.&nbsp;

Continuing his attack on the prime minister on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection.

Continuing his attack on the prime minister on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection. On his first visit to his constituency after being elected to Lok Sabha, Gandhi addressed party workers at Kalpetta, Kambalakadu and Panamaram during a roadshow on Saturday. A large number of Congress-led United Democratic Front workers and women thronged the route. Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran were with Gandhi in his special vehicle. Though it rained heavily in parts of the constituency Friday, the weather did not play spoilsport as it was bright and sunny till this noon. Gandhi said Modi "uses hatred, anger and lies" which are his "weapons". He said his party will continue to fight the "worst sentiments" the prime minister represents. "At the national level, we are fighting poison. Modi's campaign was filled with lies, poison, hatred and divided the people of the country. He used lies in the election... Congress stood for truth, love and affection," he said addressing the crowd at Kalpetta. At Kambalakadu, Gandhi said there are big challenges in Wayanad which can be resolved by working together. "My job is to represent all of Wayanad. People from all parties supported me in the election. There are big challenges and issues in Wayanad. We will work together and solve everything," he said. Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad, in addition to his family bastion of Amethi, but lost to Union minister Smriti Irani in the Uttar Pradesh constituency. He won from Wayanad with a margin of about 4.31 lakh votes. After the Congress party's poor show in the second consecutive general election, Gandhi had offered to resign as the Congress president, but it was rejected by the party's highest decision-making body. Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 polls. However in Kerala, the only state besides Punjab and Tamil Nadu where it did well, the party and its allies won 19 out of 20 seats. On Friday in Malappuram district, Gandhi said his party would emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor. Attacking Modi, he said, "Modi may have money, he may have the media by his side, he may have rich friends. But the Congress will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP". "The intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," Gandhi added. The Congress president is on a three-day visit to the constituency.

Modi's Lok Sabha poll campaign filled with 'lies, poison and hatred': Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">in Kerala's Guruvayur town</a>. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.&nbsp;

"I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country".

"It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said.&nbsp;

He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.&nbsp;

"Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. <a href="https://t.co/w3lFrJy6QZ">pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ</a>
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He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one.&nbsp;

PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur.&nbsp;

The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday.&nbsp;

Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kerala-prime-minister-narendra-modi-offers-prayers-at-sri-krishna-temple-in-guruvayur-of-thrissur-225376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. &nbsp;

"Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections. "I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country". "It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said. He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. "Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said. PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one. PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday. Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. "Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.

Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi: PM Modi in Guruvayur 

After a delay of a week, monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country.

"Monsoon has made an onset over Kerala today (June 8)," said India Meteorological Department's Director General-designate Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Several parts of Kerala have started receiving a good amount of rainfall. 
The news will augur well for the country as large parts have been witnessing agriculture distress and water levels in reservoirs in west and south India have dipped to low levels.

Most of rural India depends on the four-month monsoon season, which accounts for 75 per cent of the annual rainfall, due to a lack of adequate alternative source of irrigation. A good monsoon has a direct impact on the economy as agriculture remains the major contributor to India's GDP.

The north Indian plains, central India and parts of south India have been recording temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius. Mercury has soared to over 50 degrees in parts of Rajasthan.

On Thursday, IMD said the arrival of monsoon in Delhi is likely to be delayed by two-three days from its usual onset on June 29. However, Skymet said it may take at least a week longer.

The city is likely to receive normal monsoon. Northwest India too is likely to have normal monsoon.

The IMD declares onset of monsoon over Kerala if after May 10, sixty per cent of the available 14 stations "Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore" report rainfall of 2.5 millimetres or more for two consecutive days.

This is one of the important parameters to declare the onset of monsoon. The other two factors are speed of the westerlies and long-wave radiation. 
In 2016, monsoon arrived on the same day.

The IMD has made a forecast of 96 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) which falls on the border of normal and below normal rainfall. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1951-2000 is 89 cm.

It has, however, maintained monsoon will be "normal" for 2019.

The rains in June are likely to be impacted due to El-Nino, although a weak one. It is generally believed that El-Nino, associated with the heating of Pacific waters, has an impact on monsoon.

The delay in monsoon has no co-relation to the overall quantum of the rainfall. However, monsoon will be late in other parts of the country due to its overall delay.

Monsoon arrived in the south Andaman Sea, its first Indian outpost before it reaches the mainland, on May 18.

Last month, the IMD said monsoon will reach Kerala on June 6, a delay of six days from its usual onset. However, conditions were not favourable for its progress.

After a delay of a week, monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. "Monsoon has made an onset over Kerala today (June 8)," said India Meteorological Department's Director General-designate Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

After a delay of a week, monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. "Monsoon has made an onset over Kerala today (June 8)," said India Meteorological Department's Director General-designate Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. Several parts of Kerala have started receiving a good amount of rainfall. The news will augur well for the country as large parts have been witnessing agriculture distress and water levels in reservoirs in west and south India have dipped to low levels. Most of rural India depends on the four-month monsoon season, which accounts for 75 per cent of the annual rainfall, due to a lack of adequate alternative source of irrigation. A good monsoon has a direct impact on the economy as agriculture remains the major contributor to India's GDP. The north Indian plains, central India and parts of south India have been recording temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius. Mercury has soared to over 50 degrees in parts of Rajasthan. On Thursday, IMD said the arrival of monsoon in Delhi is likely to be delayed by two-three days from its usual onset on June 29. However, Skymet said it may take at least a week longer. The city is likely to receive normal monsoon. Northwest India too is likely to have normal monsoon. The IMD declares onset of monsoon over Kerala if after May 10, sixty per cent of the available 14 stations "Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore" report rainfall of 2.5 millimetres or more for two consecutive days. This is one of the important parameters to declare the onset of monsoon. The other two factors are speed of the westerlies and long-wave radiation. In 2016, monsoon arrived on the same day. The IMD has made a forecast of 96 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) which falls on the border of normal and below normal rainfall. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1951-2000 is 89 cm. It has, however, maintained monsoon will be "normal" for 2019. The rains in June are likely to be impacted due to El-Nino, although a weak one. It is generally believed that El-Nino, associated with the heating of Pacific waters, has an impact on monsoon. The delay in monsoon has no co-relation to the overall quantum of the rainfall. However, monsoon will be late in other parts of the country due to its overall delay. Monsoon arrived in the south Andaman Sea, its first Indian outpost before it reaches the mainland, on May 18. Last month, the IMD said monsoon will reach Kerala on June 6, a delay of six days from its usual onset. However, conditions were not favourable for its progress.

After delay of a week, monsoon hits Kerala coast

BJP drew blank in Kerala, you may ask why Modi selected Kerala for his first political speech. Kerala is as important as Varanasi,” said PM Modi. Watch full video to know more.

‘Kerala is as much mine as Varanasi’ says PM Modi in Guruvayur

Concerns related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday saying samples of one more person suspected to be infected with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-karnataka-sounds-alert-after-man-infected-with-virus-in-kerala-224932">potentially deadly virus</a> have tested negative.

One more person currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Medical College Hospital in Kochi has tested negative, the minister told reporters in New Delhi.

The government had Thursday announced that samples of six people, including three nursing staff, who had initially attended on a college student infected with Nipah virus, had tested negative.

The health of the college student, diagnosed with Nipah virus, has improved, government said here Thursday evening.

He is being treated at a private hospital here.

"He is taking food. He spoke to his family members through intercom. Fever has subsided," a government bulletin said here.

Shailaja, who is in Delhi to meet Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, said the state will continue to remain alert till July 15.

"There is no need for any concern. Result of the sample of the seventh person is also negative," she said.

They are currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, here.

The minister said she will seek more funds from the central government to set up a virology institute at least of Level 3 standard in Kerala.

The government has also urged the people to continue to take precautionary measures to prevent spread of the disease.

A total of 316 people, who were in touch with the infected person, have been kept under observation.

State Health Principal Secretary Rajan N Khobragade said out of the 316 people, 33 have been put in the high risk category.

The Union Health Ministry has deployed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities.

A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward established at the Government Medical College in Ernakulam, the Health Ministry had said in a statement Tuesday.

Isolation facilities have also been ensured at medical colleges at Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kottayam.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection and encephalitis.

Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Concerns related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday saying samples of one more person suspected to be infected with the potentially deadly virus have tested negative.

Concerns related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday saying samples of one more person suspected to be infected with the potentially deadly virus have tested negative. One more person currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Medical College Hospital in Kochi has tested negative, the minister told reporters in New Delhi. The government had Thursday announced that samples of six people, including three nursing staff, who had initially attended on a college student infected with Nipah virus, had tested negative. The health of the college student, diagnosed with Nipah virus, has improved, government said here Thursday evening. He is being treated at a private hospital here. "He is taking food. He spoke to his family members through intercom. Fever has subsided," a government bulletin said here. Shailaja, who is in Delhi to meet Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, said the state will continue to remain alert till July 15. "There is no need for any concern. Result of the sample of the seventh person is also negative," she said. They are currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, here. The minister said she will seek more funds from the central government to set up a virology institute at least of Level 3 standard in Kerala. The government has also urged the people to continue to take precautionary measures to prevent spread of the disease. A total of 316 people, who were in touch with the infected person, have been kept under observation. State Health Principal Secretary Rajan N Khobragade said out of the 316 people, 33 have been put in the high risk category. The Union Health Ministry has deployed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities. A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward established at the Government Medical College in Ernakulam, the Health Ministry had said in a statement Tuesday. Isolation facilities have also been ensured at medical colleges at Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kottayam. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection and encephalitis. Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Nipah: Sample of 7th person suspected to be infected tests negative

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> is slated to visit his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

This will be Gandhi`s first visit after he won the seat in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.

He will stay in his constituency till Sunday during which he will meet party workers and citizens.&nbsp;

"I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens and Congress Party workers. It`s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul had on May 24 expressed gratitude to the people of Wayanad for choosing him as their representative in the Lok Sabha.

On May 31, Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting him to order an enquiry into the `suicide` of a debt-ridden farmer from Wayanad.

Gandhi also urged him to extend financial support to the family of the deceased.

Gandhi, who netted 7,05,034 votes in Wayanad, won by 4,31,063 votes against his nearest rival Left Democratic Front (LDF)`s PP Suneer in the constituency.&nbsp;

However, the Congress President lost his family stronghold Amethi parliamentary constituency by BJP leader Smriti Irani.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is slated to visit his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Friday afternoon. This will be Gandhi`s first visit after he won the seat in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is slated to visit his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Friday afternoon. This will be Gandhi`s first visit after he won the seat in the recently held Lok Sabha polls. He will stay in his constituency till Sunday during which he will meet party workers and citizens. "I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens and Congress Party workers. It`s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days," tweeted Rahul Gandhi. Rahul had on May 24 expressed gratitude to the people of Wayanad for choosing him as their representative in the Lok Sabha. On May 31, Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting him to order an enquiry into the `suicide` of a debt-ridden farmer from Wayanad. Gandhi also urged him to extend financial support to the family of the deceased. Gandhi, who netted 7,05,034 votes in Wayanad, won by 4,31,063 votes against his nearest rival Left Democratic Front (LDF)`s PP Suneer in the constituency. However, the Congress President lost his family stronghold Amethi parliamentary constituency by BJP leader Smriti Irani.

Rahul Gandhi to visit his parliamentary constituency Wayanad today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-reviewing-defeat-of-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-223343">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Friday arrived at his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad for&nbsp;a three-day visit.

The&nbsp;visit comes after Gandhi won from Wayanad by a margin of over 4.31 lakh votes.

Earlier today, Gandhi tweeted, ''I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens &amp; Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days.''

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I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens &amp; Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days. <a href="https://t.co/1r71RsgI9X">pic.twitter.com/1r71RsgI9X</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1136821998724689920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of party workers and leaders were at the airport to receive Gandhi, who is attending a public function for the first time after the general elections.

The Congress president is scheduled to participate in at least 15 public receptions across the constituency.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at Kalikavu in Malappuram district in Kerala. Today, he begins his three-day visit to the state after Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://t.co/e2tTizHIff">pic.twitter.com/e2tTizHIff</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1136949794671386624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A senior Congress leader from the constituency told media&nbsp;that Gandhi's visit will boost the morale of the party workers to fight the Assembly bypolls.

"Rahul Gandhi will also take part in roadshows at Nilambur and Eranad," senior Congress leader and Wandoor MLA A P Anil Kumar said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday arrived at his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad for a three-day visit. The visit comes after Gandhi won from Wayanad by a margin of over 4.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday arrived at his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad for a three-day visit. The visit comes after Gandhi won from Wayanad by a margin of over 4.31 lakh votes. Earlier today, Gandhi tweeted, ''I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens & Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days.'' I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens & Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days. pic.twitter.com/1r71RsgI9X — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2019 × Thousands of party workers and leaders were at the airport to receive Gandhi, who is attending a public function for the first time after the general elections. The Congress president is scheduled to participate in at least 15 public receptions across the constituency. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at Kalikavu in Malappuram district in Kerala. Today, he begins his three-day visit to the state after Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/e2tTizHIff — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2019 × A senior Congress leader from the constituency told media that Gandhi's visit will boost the morale of the party workers to fight the Assembly bypolls. "Rahul Gandhi will also take part in roadshows at Nilambur and Eranad," senior Congress leader and Wandoor MLA A P Anil Kumar said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi arrives in Wayanad for three-day visit

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who reviewed the public health measures put in place in Kerala after a college student tested positive for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-people-suspected-of-nipah-virus-in-hospital-kerala-health-minister-224734"> Nipah virus</a>, Wednesday said the situation is under control and people need not panic.

The 21-year-old college student's case is this year's first in Kerala. Last year, Nipah virus killed 17 people in the state.

"I urge the people not to panic as the government is leaving no stone unturned to remedy the situation. I am personally reviewing the situation with Health Minister of Kerala, K K Shailaja, on a regular basis,"Vardhan said.

The key focus of Wednesday's review meeting was updating of contact list (line listing with contact details), daily follow-up for symptoms and self-monitoring, the health ministry said in a statement.

The team also discussed SOPs for quarantine of symptomatic contacts, sample collection or testing and dedicated isolation facility with trained health staff for care of cases and epidemiological investigation by multi-disciplinary central team to ascertain the possible source of infection and history of exposure.

The Centre had on Tuesday rushed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to Kerala to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities.

The team also stressed on the need for proper record-keeping in the district control room with daily sharing of information, the statement stated.

A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward has been established at Government Medical College Ernakulam, the statement said.

Isolation facilities have also been ensured at Medical Colleges at Calicut, Thrissur and Kottayam, it said.

All healthcare facilities have been asked to ensure high index of suspicion in cases with similar symptoms and also ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral, the ministry said.

The statement said that the condition of the college student, a resident of Paravur, is now stable and a total of 314 contacts are being followed up on daily basis.

Five symptomatic contacts have been admitted in quarantine facility at the medical college and samples have been sent for testing, it said.

According to the statement, the student got fever on May 23 when he was in district Thrissur. He visited a physician there but returned to his family in Ernakulum as he had high fever.

"He consulted a private hospital in Ernakulum on May 25 and was treated with antibiotics. He was referred to another private hospital on night of May 30 as he developed slight disorientation and gait imbalance," it said.

"Throat swab, CSF blood and urine samples were sent to the National institute of Virology Alapuzha on June 2 which tested Nipah positive. The patient is stable, conscious and oriented at present. All three other family members are healthy," it added.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), the flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans.

It takes its name from Sungai Nipah, a village in Malaysia where it was first identified.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Some people can also experience a typical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress.

Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who reviewed the public health measures put in place in Kerala after a college student tested positive for Nipah virus, Wednesday said the situation is under control and people need not panic.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who reviewed the public health measures put in place in Kerala after a college student tested positive for Nipah virus, Wednesday said the situation is under control and people need not panic. The 21-year-old college student's case is this year's first in Kerala. Last year, Nipah virus killed 17 people in the state. "I urge the people not to panic as the government is leaving no stone unturned to remedy the situation. I am personally reviewing the situation with Health Minister of Kerala, K K Shailaja, on a regular basis,"Vardhan said. The key focus of Wednesday's review meeting was updating of contact list (line listing with contact details), daily follow-up for symptoms and self-monitoring, the health ministry said in a statement. The team also discussed SOPs for quarantine of symptomatic contacts, sample collection or testing and dedicated isolation facility with trained health staff for care of cases and epidemiological investigation by multi-disciplinary central team to ascertain the possible source of infection and history of exposure. The Centre had on Tuesday rushed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to Kerala to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities. The team also stressed on the need for proper record-keeping in the district control room with daily sharing of information, the statement stated. A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward has been established at Government Medical College Ernakulam, the statement said. Isolation facilities have also been ensured at Medical Colleges at Calicut, Thrissur and Kottayam, it said. All healthcare facilities have been asked to ensure high index of suspicion in cases with similar symptoms and also ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral, the ministry said. The statement said that the condition of the college student, a resident of Paravur, is now stable and a total of 314 contacts are being followed up on daily basis. Five symptomatic contacts have been admitted in quarantine facility at the medical college and samples have been sent for testing, it said. According to the statement, the student got fever on May 23 when he was in district Thrissur. He visited a physician there but returned to his family in Ernakulum as he had high fever. "He consulted a private hospital in Ernakulum on May 25 and was treated with antibiotics. He was referred to another private hospital on night of May 30 as he developed slight disorientation and gait imbalance," it said. "Throat swab, CSF blood and urine samples were sent to the National institute of Virology Alapuzha on June 2 which tested Nipah positive. The patient is stable, conscious and oriented at present. All three other family members are healthy," it added. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), the flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans. It takes its name from Sungai Nipah, a village in Malaysia where it was first identified. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis. Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience a typical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Nipah virus: Harsh Vardhan reviews public health measures, says situation under control

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-people-suspected-of-nipah-virus-in-hospital-kerala-health-minister-224734">Nipah, a rare and often deadly disease</a> which is back in the news with a student in Kerala diagnosed with the infection, is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted from animals such as bats or pigs to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food and people-to-people contact.&nbsp;

Signs and symptoms

Human infections range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis, involving inflammation of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Infected people initially develop symptoms, including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.&nbsp;

The incubation period -- interval from infection to the onset of symptoms -- mostly ranges from four to 14 days.&nbsp;

Most people who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long term neurological conditions have been reported in survivors.

The WHO estimates the case fatality rate at 40 per cent to 75 per cent.&nbsp;

Past outbreaks&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-karnataka-sounds-alert-after-man-infected-with-virus-in-kerala-224932">Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999</a> during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia.&nbsp;

It was also recognised in Bangladesh in 2001, and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since. The disease has also been identified periodically in India. Last year, the virus killed 17 people in Kerala.

Transmission

During the first recognised outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues, according to WHO.

Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal.

In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection.

There are currently no studies on viral persistence in bodily fluids or the environment.

Human-to-human transmission of the virus has also been reported among family and caregivers of infected patients.

During later outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, the Nipah virus spread directly from human-to-human through close contact with people's secretions and excretions.&nbsp;

"Once humans consume it, the virus transfers to their body. So, the virus never went anywhere in the first place. This is just a case of seasonal reactivation," explained Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon.

"Avoid travelling to those areas where the Nipah virus has been detected. The cases are localised to particular areas and are not widespread," he told PTI.&nbsp;

Unlike swine flu, its transmission rate is very low, Krishnan said.

Diagnosis

Initial signs and symptoms of the Nipah virus infection are nonspecific, and the diagnosis is often not suspected at the time of presentation.

This can hinder accurate diagnosis and create challenges in outbreak detection, effective and timely infection control measures, and outbreak response activities.

The main tests used are real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Other tests used include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and virus isolation by cell culture.

Treatment

There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific for the infection although WHO has identified the virus as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development "There is no vaccine available for Nipah right now.&nbsp; 
Ribavirin, an antiviral, may have a role in reducing mortality among patients with encephalitis caused by Nipah virus disease," said Dr Deepak Verma Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital in Ghaziabad.&nbsp;

"Quarantining infected people and culling infected animals remain the first response. For healthcare professionals, following standard operation procedure and maintaining hygiene are the important steps to prevent human to human transmission',' said Verma.

According to a recent study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, an experimental Ebola drug, remdesivir, protected monkeys against Nipah infection.&nbsp;

Intensive supportive care is recommended for treating severe respiratory and neurologic complications.

Natural host: Fruit bats

Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae -- particularly species belonging to the Pteropus genus -- are the natural hosts for Nipah virus.&nbsp;

Outbreaks of the Nipah virus in pigs and other domestic animals such as horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs were first reported during the initial Malaysian outbreak in 1999.

Prevention

If an outbreak is suspected, the animal premises should be quarantined immediately.

Culling of infected animals -- with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses -- may be necessary to reduce the risk of transmission to people.

Restricting or banning the movement of animals from infected farms to other areas can reduce the spread of the disease.

In the absence of a vaccine, the only way to reduce or prevent infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and educating people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to the Nipah virus.&nbsp;

Nipah, a rare and often deadly disease which is back in the news with a student in Kerala diagnosed with the infection, is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted from animals such as bats or pigs to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food and people-to-people contact.

Nipah, a rare and often deadly disease which is back in the news with a student in Kerala diagnosed with the infection, is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted from animals such as bats or pigs to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food and people-to-people contact. Signs and symptoms Human infections range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis, involving inflammation of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Infected people initially develop symptoms, including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. The incubation period -- interval from infection to the onset of symptoms -- mostly ranges from four to 14 days. Most people who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long term neurological conditions have been reported in survivors. The WHO estimates the case fatality rate at 40 per cent to 75 per cent. Past outbreaks The Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. It was also recognised in Bangladesh in 2001, and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since. The disease has also been identified periodically in India. Last year, the virus killed 17 people in Kerala. Transmission During the first recognised outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues, according to WHO. Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal. In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection. There are currently no studies on viral persistence in bodily fluids or the environment. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has also been reported among family and caregivers of infected patients. During later outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, the Nipah virus spread directly from human-to-human through close contact with people's secretions and excretions. "Once humans consume it, the virus transfers to their body. So, the virus never went anywhere in the first place. This is just a case of seasonal reactivation," explained Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon. "Avoid travelling to those areas where the Nipah virus has been detected. The cases are localised to particular areas and are not widespread," he told PTI. Unlike swine flu, its transmission rate is very low, Krishnan said. Diagnosis Initial signs and symptoms of the Nipah virus infection are nonspecific, and the diagnosis is often not suspected at the time of presentation. This can hinder accurate diagnosis and create challenges in outbreak detection, effective and timely infection control measures, and outbreak response activities. The main tests used are real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Other tests used include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and virus isolation by cell culture. Treatment There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific for the infection although WHO has identified the virus as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development "There is no vaccine available for Nipah right now. Ribavirin, an antiviral, may have a role in reducing mortality among patients with encephalitis caused by Nipah virus disease," said Dr Deepak Verma Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital in Ghaziabad. "Quarantining infected people and culling infected animals remain the first response. For healthcare professionals, following standard operation procedure and maintaining hygiene are the important steps to prevent human to human transmission',' said Verma. According to a recent study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, an experimental Ebola drug, remdesivir, protected monkeys against Nipah infection. Intensive supportive care is recommended for treating severe respiratory and neurologic complications. Natural host: Fruit bats Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae -- particularly species belonging to the Pteropus genus -- are the natural hosts for Nipah virus. Outbreaks of the Nipah virus in pigs and other domestic animals such as horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs were first reported during the initial Malaysian outbreak in 1999. Prevention If an outbreak is suspected, the animal premises should be quarantined immediately. Culling of infected animals -- with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses -- may be necessary to reduce the risk of transmission to people. Restricting or banning the movement of animals from infected farms to other areas can reduce the spread of the disease. In the absence of a vaccine, the only way to reduce or prevent infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and educating people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to the Nipah virus.

Nipah virus: How it spreads, past outbreaks, what to watch out for

Days after a 23-year-old student was diagnosed with the potentially deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-harsh-vardhan-reviews-public-health-measures-says-situation-under-control-224822">Nipah virus</a> in Kerala, the Karnataka government has sounded alert in eight districts, including those on the borders of the neighbouring state.

The condition of the college student, diagnosed with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-people-suspected-of-nipah-virus-in-hospital-kerala-health-minister-224734">Nipah infection</a>, is stable, hospital authorities said.

A total of 314 persons who were in touch with the infected person have been kept under observation, officials said.

Following the Nipah outbreak report, the Health Department in Karnataka issued a circular asking administration in Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts to immediately convene inter-departmental coordination committee meetings, including veterinary department, Indian Medical Association and Indian Academy of Pediatrics.

Authorities in these eight districts have been directed to identify two isolation beds to quarantine suspected human cases.

They have been asked to keep all the logistics available at all levels, read the circular.

The department has also asked district authorities to direct government and private hospitals to keep an eye on suspected cases.

Once a patient shows symptoms of Nipah, the hospitals have to monitor acute encephalitis syndrome, check all vital parameters and take travel history of patients.

The district hospitals should have an ICU with ventilator facilities and capacity to receive emergency cases, it read.

The department asked the districts to furnish daily outbreak report regarding Nipah virus.

It also directed authorities to sensitise health assistants and ASHA workers.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection and encephalitis.

Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Days after a 23-year-old student was diagnosed with the potentially deadly Nipah virus in Kerala, the Karnataka government has sounded alert in eight districts, including those on the borders of the neighbouring state.

Days after a 23-year-old student was diagnosed with the potentially deadly Nipah virus in Kerala, the Karnataka government has sounded alert in eight districts, including those on the borders of the neighbouring state. The condition of the college student, diagnosed with Nipah infection, is stable, hospital authorities said. A total of 314 persons who were in touch with the infected person have been kept under observation, officials said. Following the Nipah outbreak report, the Health Department in Karnataka issued a circular asking administration in Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts to immediately convene inter-departmental coordination committee meetings, including veterinary department, Indian Medical Association and Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Authorities in these eight districts have been directed to identify two isolation beds to quarantine suspected human cases. They have been asked to keep all the logistics available at all levels, read the circular. The department has also asked district authorities to direct government and private hospitals to keep an eye on suspected cases. Once a patient shows symptoms of Nipah, the hospitals have to monitor acute encephalitis syndrome, check all vital parameters and take travel history of patients. The district hospitals should have an ICU with ventilator facilities and capacity to receive emergency cases, it read. The department asked the districts to furnish daily outbreak report regarding Nipah virus. It also directed authorities to sensitise health assistants and ASHA workers. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection and encephalitis. Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Nipah: Karnataka sounds alert after man infected with virus in Kerala

The Kerala government Wednesday said the condition of the college student being treated at a private hospital for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-confirms-nipah-virus-311-under-observation-224413">Nipah virus</a> is stable while the condition of five others kept under watch was improving.

A total of 311 people from various districts are under observation, Health Minister K K Shailaja said.

"The condition of the student is stable. It has not turned worse," she said, a day after the 23-year old student here was confirmed to be infected with Nipah virus.

A medical bulletin issued by the hospital Tuesday night had said he was admitted on May 30 and "the patient is clinically stable, slowly improving and his fever is subsiding."

Talking to reporters here, Shailaja said samples collected from the five people currently being treated at the isolation ward of Kalamassery Medical College Hospital have been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune this morning.

"The preliminary assessment of their health shows that they are not in a severe condition. Their health now is better than yesterday. But they are under constant watch of doctors. We expect tests of their blood samples would be negative. But we should wait till the final results come," Shailaja, who is constantly monitoring the situation with medical experts and top health officials, said.

She said treatment for Nipah will start only if their blood test confirm they have contracted the infectious disease.

The results are expected by Thursday evening.

"We should be very careful till the completion of the incubation period of the virus," she said.

At present, they were being treated for fever and sore throat, said the minister.

According to the World Health Organisation, the incubation period (interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) is believed to range from 4 to 14 days.

Shailaja, who has been camping here since Monday to lead the state's fight against the potentially deadly virus, said 311 people from various districts were under observation of health officials and an analysis is being carried out to confirm on how many of them had directly contacted with the student infected with the virus.

A government bulletin had said Tuesday that a list of 311 people, who have interacted with the student, has been prepared and they were under medical observation.

Hailing from North Paravur in Ernakulam, the 23-year-old is studying in a college in Thodupuzha in Idukki district.

The student, who was suffering from fever, had gone to Thrissur district with a group of students to attend a training programme.

The government has urged people not to panic and take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The administration has launched an awareness campaign through the media to meet the challenge.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had also spoken to Shailaja Tuesday to discuss the situation and assured all support from the Centre to the state.

A control room has also been set up and the Strategic Health Operations Centre of the National Centre for Disease Control has been activated, phone number for which is 011-23978046, a health ministry statement said in New Delhi.

According to state government figures, the Nipah virus had claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and three in neighbouring Malappuram in May last year.

The Kerala government Wednesday said the condition of the college student being treated at a private hospital for Nipah virus is stable while the condition of five others kept under watch was improving.

The Kerala government Wednesday said the condition of the college student being treated at a private hospital for Nipah virus is stable while the condition of five others kept under watch was improving. A total of 311 people from various districts are under observation, Health Minister K K Shailaja said. "The condition of the student is stable. It has not turned worse," she said, a day after the 23-year old student here was confirmed to be infected with Nipah virus. A medical bulletin issued by the hospital Tuesday night had said he was admitted on May 30 and "the patient is clinically stable, slowly improving and his fever is subsiding." Talking to reporters here, Shailaja said samples collected from the five people currently being treated at the isolation ward of Kalamassery Medical College Hospital have been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune this morning. "The preliminary assessment of their health shows that they are not in a severe condition. Their health now is better than yesterday. But they are under constant watch of doctors. We expect tests of their blood samples would be negative. But we should wait till the final results come," Shailaja, who is constantly monitoring the situation with medical experts and top health officials, said. She said treatment for Nipah will start only if their blood test confirm they have contracted the infectious disease. The results are expected by Thursday evening. "We should be very careful till the completion of the incubation period of the virus," she said. At present, they were being treated for fever and sore throat, said the minister. According to the World Health Organisation, the incubation period (interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) is believed to range from 4 to 14 days. Shailaja, who has been camping here since Monday to lead the state's fight against the potentially deadly virus, said 311 people from various districts were under observation of health officials and an analysis is being carried out to confirm on how many of them had directly contacted with the student infected with the virus. A government bulletin had said Tuesday that a list of 311 people, who have interacted with the student, has been prepared and they were under medical observation. Hailing from North Paravur in Ernakulam, the 23-year-old is studying in a college in Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The student, who was suffering from fever, had gone to Thrissur district with a group of students to attend a training programme. The government has urged people not to panic and take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The administration has launched an awareness campaign through the media to meet the challenge. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had also spoken to Shailaja Tuesday to discuss the situation and assured all support from the Centre to the state. A control room has also been set up and the Strategic Health Operations Centre of the National Centre for Disease Control has been activated, phone number for which is 011-23978046, a health ministry statement said in New Delhi. According to state government figures, the Nipah virus had claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and three in neighbouring Malappuram in May last year.

Condition of Nipah patient stable, says Kerala Health Minister

Seven people suspected of having contracted <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/condition-of-nipah-patient-stable-says-kerala-health-minister-224453">Nipah virus</a> have been admitted to a hospital here and the condition of the patient diagnosed with the virus is now stable, Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja said on Wednesday after a review meeting with officials.

The samples of six patients have been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune and results&nbsp;will be available by Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Shailaja had informed that five more persons were under observation in the wake of a scare over Nipah virus.

On Tuesday, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the Centre had rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus.

He had asserted that he is "very vigorously" following the situation.

Nipah virus, which killed 17 people in Kerala last year, is transmitted from animals to humans and then spreads through people to people contact, causing respiratory illness.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.&nbsp;

Seven people suspected of having contracted Nipah virus have been admitted to a hospital here and the condition of the patient diagnosed with the virus is now stable, Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja said on Wednesday after a review meeting with officials.

Seven people suspected of having contracted Nipah virus have been admitted to a hospital here and the condition of the patient diagnosed with the virus is now stable, Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja said on Wednesday after a review meeting with officials. The samples of six patients have been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune and results will be available by Thursday. Earlier in the day, Shailaja had informed that five more persons were under observation in the wake of a scare over Nipah virus. On Tuesday, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the Centre had rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus. He had asserted that he is "very vigorously" following the situation. Nipah virus, which killed 17 people in Kerala last year, is transmitted from animals to humans and then spreads through people to people contact, causing respiratory illness. Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.

7 people suspected of Nipah virus in hospital: Kerala Health Minister

A year after two north Kerala districts were hit by Nipah claiming 17 lives, the disease resurfaced in the state with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-man-tests-positive-for-nipah-virus-infection-224081">23-year-old student here confirmed to be infected</a> with the potentially deadly virus.

The government said 311 people from various districts with whom the student had interacted were under observation.

The student, who is being treated at a private hospital here, is slowly improving and his fever subsiding, according to a medical bulletin.

The results of blood samples of the student, which were tested at the National Institute of Virology in Pune, have confirmed Nipah, state Health minister K K Shailaja said here.

Earlier, blood samples examined at two virology institutes--Manipal Institute of Virology and Kerala Institute of Virology and Infectious Diseases--had indicated Nipah.

Watch: 23-year-old Kerala man tested positive for Nipah

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The government said four people--three who attended to the student initially and one person who studied with him--were suffering from fever and sore throat.

They were shifted to the isolation ward set up at the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital here for detailed medical examination. Their health condition is satisfactory, according to authorities.

Shailaja said the condition of the student is stable and he was not put under any support system like ventilator.

"Good care is being given to the patient. The patient sometimes become restless due to fever...We expect a good result," she told reporters. 
A medical bulletin issued by the hospital late in the night said he was admitted on May 30.

"At present, the patient is clinically stable, slowly improving and his fever is subsiding," it said.&nbsp;

The DMO has supplied the necessary anti-viral medications as soon as the case was notified and the hospital was able to start medications promptly, it said.

The hospital is strictly abiding by all public health protocols as suggested by the district and state health authorities and closely coordinating with them in the best interest of patient and community, it added.

A government bulletin said a list of 311 people, who have interacted with the student, has been prepared and they were under medical observation. 
The student, hailing from North Paravur in Ernakulam, is studying in a college in Thodupuzha in Idukki district.

The student, who was suffering from fever, had gone to Thrissur district with a group of students to attend a training programme.

The government urged people not to panic and take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Watch: As Nipah strikes again in Kerala, state to strengthen preventive measures

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"We have confidence that we can face it. We have faced it in Kozhikode last year and contained it," Shailaja said trying to instil confidence among people.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there was no need to panic as the health network would rise up to the challenge.

"We are in constant contact with the Union ministry for health. A team of experts have arrived in Kochi.Their guidelines will also be used to tackle the virus outbreak," Vijayan said in a Facebook Post.

Under the supervision of the state health minister, all necessary preparations have been completed, Vijayan said, adding those who came in contact with the infected person, have been traced and are under observation.

Extending all assistance to the state government to deal with the situation, the Centre rushed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to Kerala.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also spoke to Shailaja to discuss the current situation and assured all support from the Centre to the state.

A control room has also been set up and the Strategic Health Operations Centre of the National Centre for Disease Control has been activated, phone number for which is 011-23978046, a health ministry statement said in New Delhi.

According to state government figures, the Nipah virus had claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and three in neighbouring Malappuram in May last year.

Appealing to social media users not to spread panic among the public, Shailaja said stringent action would be taken against those indulging in such acts.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, who met Shailaja here, promised all support to the state government to unitedly fight the disease.

Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of the Nipah virus.

Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human.

On May 19, 2018, Nipah virus disease (NiV) outbreak was reported from Kozhikode.

Health experts from Kozhikode, who have experience in fighting the disease, have reached Kochi.

According to the WHO, Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), the flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans.

It takes its name from Sungai Nipah, a village in Malaysia where it was first identified.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis.

Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

&nbsp;

A year after two north Kerala districts were hit by Nipah claiming 17 lives, the disease resurfaced in the state with a 23-year-old student here confirmed to be infected with the potentially deadly virus.

A year after two north Kerala districts were hit by Nipah claiming 17 lives, the disease resurfaced in the state with a 23-year-old student here confirmed to be infected with the potentially deadly virus. The government said 311 people from various districts with whom the student had interacted were under observation. The student, who is being treated at a private hospital here, is slowly improving and his fever subsiding, according to a medical bulletin. The results of blood samples of the student, which were tested at the National Institute of Virology in Pune, have confirmed Nipah, state Health minister K K Shailaja said here. Earlier, blood samples examined at two virology institutes--Manipal Institute of Virology and Kerala Institute of Virology and Infectious Diseases--had indicated Nipah. Watch: 23-year-old Kerala man tested positive for Nipah × The government said four people--three who attended to the student initially and one person who studied with him--were suffering from fever and sore throat. They were shifted to the isolation ward set up at the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital here for detailed medical examination. Their health condition is satisfactory, according to authorities. Shailaja said the condition of the student is stable and he was not put under any support system like ventilator. "Good care is being given to the patient. The patient sometimes become restless due to fever...We expect a good result," she told reporters. A medical bulletin issued by the hospital late in the night said he was admitted on May 30. "At present, the patient is clinically stable, slowly improving and his fever is subsiding," it said. The DMO has supplied the necessary anti-viral medications as soon as the case was notified and the hospital was able to start medications promptly, it said. The hospital is strictly abiding by all public health protocols as suggested by the district and state health authorities and closely coordinating with them in the best interest of patient and community, it added. A government bulletin said a list of 311 people, who have interacted with the student, has been prepared and they were under medical observation. The student, hailing from North Paravur in Ernakulam, is studying in a college in Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The student, who was suffering from fever, had gone to Thrissur district with a group of students to attend a training programme. The government urged people not to panic and take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Watch: As Nipah strikes again in Kerala, state to strengthen preventive measures × "We have confidence that we can face it. We have faced it in Kozhikode last year and contained it," Shailaja said trying to instil confidence among people. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there was no need to panic as the health network would rise up to the challenge. "We are in constant contact with the Union ministry for health. A team of experts have arrived in Kochi.Their guidelines will also be used to tackle the virus outbreak," Vijayan said in a Facebook Post. Under the supervision of the state health minister, all necessary preparations have been completed, Vijayan said, adding those who came in contact with the infected person, have been traced and are under observation. Extending all assistance to the state government to deal with the situation, the Centre rushed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to Kerala. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also spoke to Shailaja to discuss the current situation and assured all support from the Centre to the state. A control room has also been set up and the Strategic Health Operations Centre of the National Centre for Disease Control has been activated, phone number for which is 011-23978046, a health ministry statement said in New Delhi. According to state government figures, the Nipah virus had claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and three in neighbouring Malappuram in May last year. Appealing to social media users not to spread panic among the public, Shailaja said stringent action would be taken against those indulging in such acts. Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, who met Shailaja here, promised all support to the state government to unitedly fight the disease. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of the Nipah virus. Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human. On May 19, 2018, Nipah virus disease (NiV) outbreak was reported from Kozhikode. Health experts from Kozhikode, who have experience in fighting the disease, have reached Kochi. According to the WHO, Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), the flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans. It takes its name from Sungai Nipah, a village in Malaysia where it was first identified. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis. Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Kerala government confirms Nipah virus; 311 under observation

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that heavy rainfall is likely in Odisha after the monsoon reaches Kerala in next 96 hours.

"The monsoon is likely to reach Kerala during the next 96 hours. After the onset of monsoon in Kerala, we will tell about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-month-after-fani-164-lakh-families-still-in-darkness-224019">Odisha</a> advancement. In the next 24 hours, there will be thunderstorms at isolated places in the north and south Odisha," said HR Biswas, Director, MeT Department here on Tuesday.

"Cloud is moving towards the west to east. When monsoon clouds come, it will move from east to west. From June 8, there will be thunderstorm activity over Odisha along with heavy rainfall," he said.

The IMD has already issued warning about heavy rainfall.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, movement of vehicles on National Highway 26 was hampered here on Monday as rain coupled with thunderstorm wreaked havoc in the region.

Several trees and electric poles were uprooted due to which vehicles were lined up for hours near Moter and Kusumkhunti.

The rains, however, brought much-needed respite for locals who were suffering from soaring temperatures in the region.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Meteorological Department's (MeT) local office had said monsoon will reach Odisha five to six days late this time.

&nbsp;

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that heavy rainfall is likely in Odisha after the monsoon reaches Kerala in next 96 hours. "The monsoon is likely to reach Kerala during the next 96 hours.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that heavy rainfall is likely in Odisha after the monsoon reaches Kerala in next 96 hours. "The monsoon is likely to reach Kerala during the next 96 hours. After the onset of monsoon in Kerala, we will tell about Odisha advancement. In the next 24 hours, there will be thunderstorms at isolated places in the north and south Odisha," said HR Biswas, Director, MeT Department here on Tuesday. "Cloud is moving towards the west to east. When monsoon clouds come, it will move from east to west. From June 8, there will be thunderstorm activity over Odisha along with heavy rainfall," he said. The IMD has already issued warning about heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, movement of vehicles on National Highway 26 was hampered here on Monday as rain coupled with thunderstorm wreaked havoc in the region. Several trees and electric poles were uprooted due to which vehicles were lined up for hours near Moter and Kusumkhunti. The rains, however, brought much-needed respite for locals who were suffering from soaring temperatures in the region. Earlier in the day, the Indian Meteorological Department's (MeT) local office had said monsoon will reach Odisha five to six days late this time.

Monsoon likely to reach Kerala in next four days, heavy rain expected in Odisha: MeT Department

The Kerala government Tuesday said it is in "constant contact" with the Union Health ministry in the wake of confirmation about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-man-tests-positive-for-nipah-virus-infection-224081">Nipah infecting a person in the state</a>, a year after the deadly virus claimed 17 lives.

State Health Minister, K K Shailaja, confirmed on Tuesday that a 23-year-old college student, who was undergoing treatment for fever in Kochi, has been infected by the virus.

Pathological samples from youth had been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, which confirmed that the youth had been infected by the deadly virus. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there was no need to panic as the health network would rise up to the challenge.

"We are in constant contact with the Union ministry for health. A team of experts have arrived in Kochi. Their guidelines will also be used to tackle the virus outbreak," Vijayan said in a Facebook Post.

"The news of confirmation should not be a reason for panic. Our health network is ready to rise up to the challenge," he said.

Watch: As Nipah strikes again in Kerala, state to strengthen preventive measures

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Under the supervision of the state health minister, all necessary preparations have been completed, Vijayan said, adding those who came in contact with the infected person, have been traced and are under observation.

Urging everyone to follow the instructions of the health department, the chief minister warned that stringent action would be taken against those spreading misinformation.

"The state had overcome the battle against Nipah last year. In this battle also we are going to prevail", he said.

In May last year, Nipah had claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and three in neighbouring Malappuram. The deceased included a nurse, who had taken care of one of the victims.

Meanwhile, the health department has sounded alert in Kollam, as three students, who had come in contact with the affected youth are from the district.

Isolation wards have been opened in district government hospitals, including Parippali medical college there, health department officials said. 
The three are under observation, they added.&nbsp;

The Kerala government Tuesday said it is in "constant contact" with the Union Health ministry in the wake of confirmation about Nipah infecting a person in the state, a year after the deadly virus claimed 17 lives.

The Kerala government Tuesday said it is in "constant contact" with the Union Health ministry in the wake of confirmation about Nipah infecting a person in the state, a year after the deadly virus claimed 17 lives. State Health Minister, K K Shailaja, confirmed on Tuesday that a 23-year-old college student, who was undergoing treatment for fever in Kochi, has been infected by the virus. Pathological samples from youth had been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, which confirmed that the youth had been infected by the deadly virus. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there was no need to panic as the health network would rise up to the challenge. "We are in constant contact with the Union ministry for health. A team of experts have arrived in Kochi. Their guidelines will also be used to tackle the virus outbreak," Vijayan said in a Facebook Post. "The news of confirmation should not be a reason for panic. Our health network is ready to rise up to the challenge," he said. Watch: As Nipah strikes again in Kerala, state to strengthen preventive measures Under the supervision of the state health minister, all necessary preparations have been completed, Vijayan said, adding those who came in contact with the infected person, have been traced and are under observation. Urging everyone to follow the instructions of the health department, the chief minister warned that stringent action would be taken against those spreading misinformation. "The state had overcome the battle against Nipah last year. In this battle also we are going to prevail", he said. In May last year, Nipah had claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and three in neighbouring Malappuram. The deceased included a nurse, who had taken care of one of the victims. Meanwhile, the health department has sounded alert in Kollam, as three students, who had come in contact with the affected youth are from the district. Isolation wards have been opened in district government hospitals, including Parippali medical college there, health department officials said. The three are under observation, they added.

Kerala government in constant contact with health ministry after Nipah virus confirmation: Pinarayi Vijayan

In the wake of a suspected case of Nipah virus infection at a private hospital in Kochi, a high-level committee has decided to strengthen preventive measures, even as confirmation is awaited from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

As Nipah strikes again in Kerala, state to strengthen preventive measures

ISIS eyes India moves closer to the neighborhood and hopes to gain ground in Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Gravitas: The Rise of ISIS in South Asia

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-likely-to-be-slightly-delayed-will-arrive-over-kerala-on-june-6th-imd-218999">Kerala coast</a> has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday.

According to highly places sources in the police department, the coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted.

"Such alerts are usual practice but this time we have a piece of specific information about the number.

We have alerted the coastal police stations and the police chiefs of coastal districts to be on alert in case of any sighting of suspicious vessels," a top police source told PTI.

The coastal police department said it was on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka.

"We were on alert since the Sri Lankan attack took place. We have also alerted the fishing vessels and others venturing into the sea to be cautious of suspicious activities," coastal department sources confirmed to PTI.

After the serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, Kerala was on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the State.

Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralites are still with the ISIS which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the Island nation killing over 250 people.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident.&nbsp;

The Kerala coast has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday.

The Kerala coast has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday. According to highly places sources in the police department, the coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted. "Such alerts are usual practice but this time we have a piece of specific information about the number. We have alerted the coastal police stations and the police chiefs of coastal districts to be on alert in case of any sighting of suspicious vessels," a top police source told PTI. The coastal police department said it was on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka. "We were on alert since the Sri Lankan attack took place. We have also alerted the fishing vessels and others venturing into the sea to be cautious of suspicious activities," coastal department sources confirmed to PTI. After the serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, Kerala was on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the State. Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralites are still with the ISIS which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria. Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the Island nation killing over 250 people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident.

Kerala coast on high alert after IS boat reportedly sets off from Sri Lanka

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala.

He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state.

Addressing media persons, he said, "We are going to win big. Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. All of us know who created troubles there."

Asserting that those who created trouble during Sabarimala row are facing in-fighting now, Vijayan said, "Now there is in-fight within those people. Some among them have said that a group of people intervened with the intention of creating trouble there."

The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years.

Nearly four months after the apex court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 years entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers.

Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga.

In March, this year BJP's Kozhikode Lok Sabha candidate Prakash Babu was also remanded to judicial custody on Thursday for 14 days in a case related to violence at Sabarimala.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state. Addressing media persons, he said, "We are going to win big. Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. All of us know who created troubles there." Asserting that those who created trouble during Sabarimala row are facing in-fighting now, Vijayan said, "Now there is in-fight within those people. Some among them have said that a group of people intervened with the intention of creating trouble there." The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years. Nearly four months after the apex court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 years entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers. Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga. In March, this year BJP's Kozhikode Lok Sabha candidate Prakash Babu was also remanded to judicial custody on Thursday for 14 days in a case related to violence at Sabarimala.

Sabarimala issue didn't affect polls in Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan

The monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on June 6, five days after its normal onset date, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on May 15.

Monsoon likely to hit Kerala on June 6

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-temperatures-rise-pre-monsoon-rainfall-records-27-dip-imd-214086">monsoon is likely to be delayed this year</a> as its arrival expected on June 6, five days after its normal onset date, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Wednesday.

"This year, the statistical model forecast suggests that the monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed," the IMD said. "The southwest monsoon onset is likely to set over Kerala on June 6th with a model error of plus or minus 4 days."

"Conditions are becoming favourable for advance of southwest monsoon over the southern part of Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal during May 18-19," it added.

The normal onset date for monsoon over Kerala is June 1, which also marks the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season.&nbsp;

The IMD and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-likely-to-hit-kerala-on-june-4-three-days-after-normal-onset-date-skymet-218751">private weather agency Skymet</a> were unanimous on the prediction of the late arrival of monsoon this year. The Skymet had said on Tuesday that the monsoon would hit the Kerala coast on June 4, with an error margin of two days.

If the monsoon arrives late, it will be third such instance since 2014 when it arrived on June 5, followed by June 6 in 2015 and June 8 in 2016.

The delay in the arrival of monsoon may not necessarily have an impact on the overall rainfall. Last year, it had hit Kerala on May 29, three days before the normal onset date. Yet, the country received 'below-normal' rainfall.

Similarly, in 2017, the monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 30, but the overall rainfall was 95 per cent of the long period average (LPA), which falls under the below normal category.

In its initial forecast released in April, the IMD had predicted a near-normal rainfall with an LPA of 96 per cent, which falls on the border of 'below-normal' and 'normal' rainfall category. On the other hand, the Skymet has predicted a 'below-normal' rainfall with an LPA of 93 per cent.

The monsoon is likely to be delayed this year as its arrival expected on June 6, five days after its normal onset date, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Wednesday.

The monsoon is likely to be delayed this year as its arrival expected on June 6, five days after its normal onset date, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Wednesday. "This year, the statistical model forecast suggests that the monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed," the IMD said. "The southwest monsoon onset is likely to set over Kerala on June 6th with a model error of plus or minus 4 days." "Conditions are becoming favourable for advance of southwest monsoon over the southern part of Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal during May 18-19," it added. The normal onset date for monsoon over Kerala is June 1, which also marks the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season. The IMD and private weather agency Skymet were unanimous on the prediction of the late arrival of monsoon this year. The Skymet had said on Tuesday that the monsoon would hit the Kerala coast on June 4, with an error margin of two days. If the monsoon arrives late, it will be third such instance since 2014 when it arrived on June 5, followed by June 6 in 2015 and June 8 in 2016. The delay in the arrival of monsoon may not necessarily have an impact on the overall rainfall. Last year, it had hit Kerala on May 29, three days before the normal onset date. Yet, the country received 'below-normal' rainfall. Similarly, in 2017, the monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 30, but the overall rainfall was 95 per cent of the long period average (LPA), which falls under the below normal category. In its initial forecast released in April, the IMD had predicted a near-normal rainfall with an LPA of 96 per cent, which falls on the border of 'below-normal' and 'normal' rainfall category. On the other hand, the Skymet has predicted a 'below-normal' rainfall with an LPA of 93 per cent.

Monsoon likely to be slightly delayed, will arrive over Kerala on June 6: IMD

Monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala on June 4, three days after its normal onset date, marking the official commencement of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-likely-to-be-near-normal-this-year-india-meteorological-department-210602">rainy season in the country</a>, private weather forecaster Skymet said Tuesday.

The normal onset date for monsoon over Kerala is June 1.

Skymet said monsoon will be "below normal" in the country with a Long Period Average (LPA) of 93 per cent and an error margin of five per cent.

"Arrival of monsoon over Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be on May 22, with an error margin of plus/minus 2 days. Southwest Monsoon 2019 is likely to make onset over Kerala on June 4, with an error margin of plus/minus 2 days.

"It seems that initial advancement of monsoon over peninsular India is going to be slow," Skymet CEO Jatin Singh said.

"All the four regions are going to witness lesser than normal rainfall, this season. Rainfall in East and Northeast India and central parts will be poorer than Northwest India and South Peninsula," Singh said.

According to Skymet, there are 55 per cent chances of a below-normal rainfall, which will have an influence of El Nino, a phenomenon linked to the heating of Pacific waters.

East and Northeast India will get 92 per cent of the LPA which falls under the below normal category.

The risk remains high for Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, while it will be marginal for Northeast India, Skymet said.

Northwest India that comprises all north Indian states will receive 96 per cent rainfall of the LPA, which falls on the borderline of normal and below normal rainfall category.

Hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to perform better than the plains of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi- NCR, the Skymet said.

Central India is likely to receive rainfall of 91 per cent of the LPA. Rainfall in Vidarbha, Marathwada, west Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will be "poorer than normal".

This is likely to aggravate the situation as Marathwada and several parts of Gujarat been facing farm distress and drought-like situation.

Conditions will be more or less similar in South peninsula.

"North interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema may see poor rainfall. Kerala and coastal Karnataka are likely to perform better," Skymet said.&nbsp;

Monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala on June 4, three days after its normal onset date, marking the official commencement of the rainy season in the country, private weather forecaster Skymet said Tuesday.

Monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala on June 4, three days after its normal onset date, marking the official commencement of the rainy season in the country, private weather forecaster Skymet said Tuesday. The normal onset date for monsoon over Kerala is June 1. Skymet said monsoon will be "below normal" in the country with a Long Period Average (LPA) of 93 per cent and an error margin of five per cent. "Arrival of monsoon over Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be on May 22, with an error margin of plus/minus 2 days. Southwest Monsoon 2019 is likely to make onset over Kerala on June 4, with an error margin of plus/minus 2 days. "It seems that initial advancement of monsoon over peninsular India is going to be slow," Skymet CEO Jatin Singh said. "All the four regions are going to witness lesser than normal rainfall, this season. Rainfall in East and Northeast India and central parts will be poorer than Northwest India and South Peninsula," Singh said. According to Skymet, there are 55 per cent chances of a below-normal rainfall, which will have an influence of El Nino, a phenomenon linked to the heating of Pacific waters. East and Northeast India will get 92 per cent of the LPA which falls under the below normal category. The risk remains high for Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, while it will be marginal for Northeast India, Skymet said. Northwest India that comprises all north Indian states will receive 96 per cent rainfall of the LPA, which falls on the borderline of normal and below normal rainfall category. Hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to perform better than the plains of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi- NCR, the Skymet said. Central India is likely to receive rainfall of 91 per cent of the LPA. Rainfall in Vidarbha, Marathwada, west Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will be "poorer than normal". This is likely to aggravate the situation as Marathwada and several parts of Gujarat been facing farm distress and drought-like situation. Conditions will be more or less similar in South peninsula. "North interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema may see poor rainfall. Kerala and coastal Karnataka are likely to perform better," Skymet said.

Monsoon likely to hit Kerala on June 4, three days after normal onset date: Skymet

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan.&nbsp;

The two chief ministers are expected to meet at around 6pm today and discuss contemporary politics in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

"Rao will meet Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 6 pm. In view of the parliament elections, both the CMs will discuss contemporary politics," an official release said.&nbsp;

Before returning to Hyderabad, Rao will be paying a visit to Rameswaram and Srirangam temples.&nbsp;

The TRS chief has been a vocal proponent of a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front at the Centre.&nbsp;

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad means that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-fighting-from-wayanad-means-he-is-fighting-left-not-bjp-kerala-cm-pinari-vijayan-206965">he is fighting against the Left and not the BJP</a>.&nbsp;

There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said.

"If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan said recently.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan. The two chief ministers are expected to meet at around 6pm today and discuss contemporary politics in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "Rao will meet Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 6 pm. In view of the parliament elections, both the CMs will discuss contemporary politics," an official release said. Before returning to Hyderabad, Rao will be paying a visit to Rameswaram and Srirangam temples. The TRS chief has been a vocal proponent of a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front at the Centre. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad means that he is fighting against the Left and not the BJP. There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said. "If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan said recently.

KCR and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to meet in Trivandrum today, discuss 'contemporary politics' 

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Sunday conducted searches at three places in Kerala as part of its investigation into the ISIS Kasaragod module case.

The probe agency said in a statement that it carried out the searches at the houses of three suspects -- two in Kasaragod and one in Palakkad.

"These persons are suspected to have links with some of the accused persons in the said case who had exited India to join the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS/Daish," the NIA said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

It said that mobile phones, SIM cards, memory cards, pen drives, diaries with handwritten notes in Arabic and Malayalam, DVDs and books of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, besides untitled DVDs, CDs with religious speeches, books of Syed Kutheb were seized during the searches.

"Digital devices will be forensically examined and analysed," the agency said, adding the three suspects are being questioned.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Sunday conducted searches at three places in Kerala as part of its investigation into the ISIS Kasaragod module case. The probe agency said in a statement that it carried out the searches at the houses of three suspects -- two in Kasaragod and one in Palakkad.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Sunday conducted searches at three places in Kerala as part of its investigation into the ISIS Kasaragod module case. The probe agency said in a statement that it carried out the searches at the houses of three suspects -- two in Kasaragod and one in Palakkad. "These persons are suspected to have links with some of the accused persons in the said case who had exited India to join the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS/Daish," the NIA said in a statement. It said that mobile phones, SIM cards, memory cards, pen drives, diaries with handwritten notes in Arabic and Malayalam, DVDs and books of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, besides untitled DVDs, CDs with religious speeches, books of Syed Kutheb were seized during the searches. "Digital devices will be forensically examined and analysed," the agency said, adding the three suspects are being questioned.

NIA searches at 3 places in Kerala as part of probe into ISIS module

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala Sunday rejected allegations of bogus voting at various polling booths in the Kasargod Lok Sabha constituency during elections on April 23 and welcomed any probe into the charges.

There is no need for the CPI(M) to resort to bogus voting for winning the elections in Kerala, senior CPI-M leader and state Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac told reporters here.

He said secretaries of CPI(M)'s Kasargod and Kannur districts have already rejected the allegations.

Those who were not satisfied with their clarifications can approach the Election Commission, which has established mechanisms to examine such allegations, Issac, also the central committee member of the CPI(M), said.

The CPI(M) is ready to face any probe into the allegations, he said.

His statement comes a day after Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena sought a report from officers in Kasargod and Kannur districts collectors over claims of bogus voting.

Local TV channels in the state had aired visuals of some people casting their votes twice at two polling booths in Kasaragod constituency.

On Saturday, Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala had lashed out at the ruling LDF alleging that the CPI(M) has resorted to bogus voting, fearing defeat in elections.

He said the Left was trying to manipulate the public mandate and the Congress would initiate legal proceedings against the bogus voting.

Polling was held for all 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state on April 23.&nbsp;

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala Sunday rejected allegations of bogus voting at various polling booths in the Kasargod Lok Sabha constituency during elections on April 23 and welcomed any probe into the charges.

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala Sunday rejected allegations of bogus voting at various polling booths in the Kasargod Lok Sabha constituency during elections on April 23 and welcomed any probe into the charges. There is no need for the CPI(M) to resort to bogus voting for winning the elections in Kerala, senior CPI-M leader and state Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac told reporters here. He said secretaries of CPI(M)'s Kasargod and Kannur districts have already rejected the allegations. Those who were not satisfied with their clarifications can approach the Election Commission, which has established mechanisms to examine such allegations, Issac, also the central committee member of the CPI(M), said. The CPI(M) is ready to face any probe into the allegations, he said. His statement comes a day after Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena sought a report from officers in Kasargod and Kannur districts collectors over claims of bogus voting. Local TV channels in the state had aired visuals of some people casting their votes twice at two polling booths in Kasaragod constituency. On Saturday, Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala had lashed out at the ruling LDF alleging that the CPI(M) has resorted to bogus voting, fearing defeat in elections. He said the Left was trying to manipulate the public mandate and the Congress would initiate legal proceedings against the bogus voting. Polling was held for all 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state on April 23.

Kerala: CPI(M) rejects bogus voting charges, welcomes probe

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