Kochi: Kerala's lone Nipah patient is likely to be discharged on Tuesday from a hospital in Kochi, Kerala after 47 days. On June 4, Pune's National Institute of Virology confirmed that the 23-year old-youth had contracted the Nipah virus. The youth was admitted to hospital on May 30 and was in no condition to stand on his feet. He has now completely recovered, according to reports.

A year ago, the Nipah virus had claimed 18 lives in Kozhikode, Kerala. Unlike last year, no loss of life has been reported so far in 2019. Health minister KK Shailaja is expected to be present during the discharge of the youth.

Also read: Nipah patient condition improves; two out of three samples test negative for virus

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Virology has identified the presence of the deadly Nipah virus in 12 fruit bats out of the 36 samples tested at the institute. The medical department had collected hundreds of sputum samples of fruit bats from different parts of Kerala.

Around 353 people, who came in contact with the youth, in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Idukki districts were under surveillance since May.

Training on preventive measures to avoid contracting the virus was imparted to 1,293 persons in the state. The Labour Department inspected 12 migrant labour camps at North Paravur, Perumbavur, and Kakkanad areas to ensure hygiene standards were met. Strict action will be taken against those found violating hygiene norms, a Health Department official had said.

Also read: Nipah virus: Four patients who were kept in isolation ward discharged from Kerala hospital