Panaji, June 10 (IANS) After reviewing the health scenario in Goa in view of the Nipah outbreak in Kerala, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said there is no need for people in Goa to panic.

Till Sunday, seven of the eight patients in Kerala suspected to have been infected by the Nipah virus were tested negative.

Rane, who chaired a review meeting at the state Secretariat, said that since authorities are monitoring the situation in Kerala and have contained the virus to two-three areas, Goa should not have any impact of the outbreak.

"We do not need to create panic in people. The Union Health Ministry team is in Kerala. They are monitoring the situation. The virus has been contained in two-three areas. There is no fear in Goa," he told reporters.

"The Health Secretary is reviewing the situation. There is no need to worry about it. We are reviewing and following the protocol as directed by the Central government," he added.

--IANS maya/mag/pg