Malappuram: Of the 246 people on the Nipah virus contact list, 63 are in the high risk category. One person on the contact list has been diagnosed with viral fever. Two people in the high risk category have Nipa symptoms. Samples of four people have been sent for testing.

Health Minister Veena George has said that preventive measures have been strengthened after the confirmation. In a press conference, the minister informed that he had assessed the general situation on Sunday morning. The minister said that the samples of all those in the high risk category will be taken first. Those with symptoms will be taken first. Then samples are taken from those who are asymptomatic.

Kozhikode Medical College has a lab for testing. Apart from that, a mobile lab of NIV Pune has also started from Pune. Moreover, the samples can be tested right here. A house-to-house survey is also being conducted. Health department, representatives of local bodies, health workers and other departments will be part of the survey.

A discussion will be held today with the representatives of the panchayat at the district level. Yesterday, discussions were held in panchayats under the leadership of medical officers. Families in total isolation cannot go out and buy things. The minister said that volunteers have been arranged to buy food and medicine for them.

Today's discussion will confirm that it is available. Also instructions for providing food for domestic livestock and pets are also given. The district administration has issued its own instructions regarding educational institutions and crowd control. The instructions of the District Collector have also come. District Police Chief Veena George informed that patrolling has been started in the area.