shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > India News > Article > Kerala procures 50 doses of monoclonal antibody to combat Nipah

Kerala procures 50 doses of monoclonal antibody to combat Nipah

Updated on: 25 May,2018 09:23 PM IST  |  Kozhikode
PTI |

The antibody will be brought to the state soon, the minister told reporters

Kerala procures 50 doses of monoclonal antibody to combat Nipah

Nipah Representational Image


With the help of Indian Council of Medical Research and World Health Organisation, the Kerala government has procured about 50 doses of a monoclonal antibody from Australia to combat Nipah virus, state Health minister K K Shylaja said today.


The antibody will be brought to the state soon, the minister told reporters here. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had written to the Queensland government in Australia asking it to provide the antibody developed there to test if it can "neutralise" the virus in humans.


Speaking to the media after an all-party meeting here, the minister said the situation, in the aftermath of the outbreak of the deadly virus, was under control.

It has not spread throughout the state, she said. Measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the caregivers in hospital, she said, adding, steps have been taken to ensure that the virus does not spread to other areas.

The steps taken by the government to combat the virus were reviewed at the meeting. Of the 32 samples sent for testing for the virus, all were found negative, health department sources said. There are 14 confirmed cases of Nipah, of whom 11 have died and three, including a nursing student, are undergoing treatment.

Of the 11 deaths, eight are from Kozhikode and three from neighbouring Malappuram. The minister said the state was preparing to develop its own anti-viral drug for Nipah with the help of ICMR and community medicine department of Thiruvananthapuram medical college. Discussions in this regard have begun, she said.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK