17 deaths due to Nipah virus in Kerala, no patient from other states tested positive: Health Ministry

Patients were kept in isolated wards, hospitals were briefed about the infection and control practices, medical and para-medical staff were given protective equipment and public awareness programmes were conducted, Patel said.

Doctors were given training on ventilator management also. Samples of 337 patients were tested for the Nipah virus out of which only 18 tested positive, the minister said.

"Samples were collected from all patients with similar symptoms in other states/UTs (Union Territories), and tested for Nipah virus.

"No patient from other states was found positive for Nipah virus. The ministry was also in constant touch with all the states and UTs to review their preparedness and to provide guidance and assistance," she said.

Patel mentioned that fruit eating bats were identified as the primary source of the infection and people were advised not to consume fruits partly eaten by bats.

The minister said awareness programmes were conducted for the general public and training on infection control practices were given to health workers and medical and para-medical staff.