At a time when Kerala is dreaded over the spread of the rare Nipah virus (NiV), on Thursday, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey said that the Virus is not an epidemic.

"Government of India is keeping a close watch on the situation; our team of doctors is present at the spot. It is localised and not an epidemic, all kinds of precautions are being taken. People should not panic", he said.

Till now, the deadly virus has claimed 11 lives in Kerala. The state's health department has issued an advisory for people traveling to the state. It has urged travelers to be extra cautious while visiting Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur districts.

(With inputs from ANI)