As part of a joint combat operation against Nipah, Scientists from the National Centre for Disease Control visited different places in Palakkad and Malappuram districts yesterday. The team, led by NCDC Joint Director Pranay Varma, visited different places in the districts.

A fresh team of scientists from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, is also expected to visit the Nipah-infected places in Palakkad and Malappuram. The team led by Dilip Patil will survey bats in the area.

The central team held discussions with the District Medical Officer, Malappuram and expressed satisfaction at the measures adopted to prevent the spread of the virus.

The state Health Minister Veena George said 499 persons were under observation in the State for Nipah. In Malappuram, there will be no more containment zones. However, in Palakkad, the restrictions will continue.