NEW DELHI, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The spread of the Nipah virus in India's southern state of Kerala is "not a major outbreak," but "only a local occurence," said the multi-disciplinary central team led by the country's National Center for Disease Control.

The team was sent to Kerala state to investigate the recent deadly cases of the virus.

According to official figure, 12 people, including nine from Kozhikode district and three from Malappuram district, have died after being infected by the Nipah virus. The total number of confirmed cases was 14, with 20 other suspected cases.

According to an official statement issued by the country's Health Ministry, the central team reviewed all the deadly cases and concluded that it is not a major spread of virus in the state.

The team also fine-tuned the draft guidelines, case definitions, advisory for healthcare workers, information to the general public, advisories for sample collection and transportation accordingly.

The efforts taken so far have been fruitful as the disease has not spread to new areas. The contact tracing strategy has also been successful. All the reported cases including the suspected cases had direct or indirect contact with the first casualty or his family prior to contacting the disease, said the ministry.

The general public has been directed to follow safe hygiene practices, not to consume fruits or vegetables partly eaten by birds or animals and take steps while going near the infected persons or areas, said the ministry.?