Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 -- Keralam Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Tuesday said that government will succeed in preventing the spread of the Nipah virus in 2026 adding that a high-power committee has been formed to prevent viral and amoebic diseases.

Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan said, "This month, 70 cases of Shigella were reported. A total of 146 have been reported till now. Five deaths have occured. To prevent viral and amoebic diseases, we have formed a high-power committee. The chairman is Dr SS Lal, a World Health Organisation Consultant."

State Health Minister said that government will convene a meeting weekly, get the reports and give directions to the officials.

"This committee will also research permanently prev...