Malappuram news: The Kerala government has enforced strict containment measures in Malappuram district following the death of a 24-year-old from Nipah virus. State Health Minister Veena George confirmed the death on September 9 and stated that the victim was indeed infected with the Nipah virus. Currently, 175 individuals have been identified as contacts of the deceased, with a detailed route map of the victim's movements from September 4 to September 9 released by the health department.
On Monday, the Minister urged anyone who might have come into contact with the victim to self-isolate and notify health authorities.
Nipah Outbreak: Restrictions Imposed To Contain Spread
Containment zones have been established in specific wards of Thiruvaly and Mambad panchayats within a 3-kilometer radius of the victim's residence, as reported by The Hindustan Times. Out of the 175 individuals in the contact list, 74 are healthcare workers. The Minister noted that 126 individuals are primary contacts, and 49 are secondary contacts. Among the primary contacts, 104 are considered high-risk. Ten patients are currently receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College Hospital, and samples from 13 individuals have been sent for testing.
Local authorities have imposed restrictions in five wards across two panchayats, with measures to prevent public gatherings, as per a report on PTI. Shops within the containment zones must close by 7 PM, and educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will remain closed. Additionally, partial restrictions have been introduced in Malappuram district, including mandatory mask-wearing and limiting the number of attendees at events such as weddings and funerals.
This incident follows a previous Nipah-related death in Malappuram on July 21, marking the first confirmed case in Kerala this year. Nipah outbreaks have previously occurred in Kozhikode in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam in 2019. Antibodies for the Nipah virus have been found in bats across several districts, including Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam.