Nipah Virus Resurfaces In Kerala: 1 Dead, Another Critical — Symptoms & Precautions Explained
Nipah, a zoonotic virus, causes fever, headache, and can lead to coma. Kerala has faced multiple Nipah outbreaks in recent years, with the virus known for its high fatality rate and rapid spread.
Kerala is on high alert again as two fresh cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed in the state—one resulting in death and the other patient currently in critical condition. Health officials confirmed the virus after testing samples at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, prompting containment measures across Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode districts.
18-Year-Old Girl Dies Of Nipah In Malappuram
The virus was confirmed in the case of an 18-year-old girl from Chettiyarangadi in Malappuram, who had been declared brain dead. She had sought treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode before her condition worsened. Her samples tested positive for Nipah, sparking immediate concern across the region.
Second Nipah Case In Palakkad, Patient Critical
In a separate case, a 39-year-old woman from Thachanattukara in Palakkad district has also tested positive and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Malappuram. Her condition is said to be critical. Public health authorities have begun contact tracing and ramped up surveillance in the area.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that 345 people have been placed on the contact list — 211 from Malappuram, 91 from Palakkad, and 43 from Kozhikode. “Even before the official confirmation, preventive steps were intensified. The route map of the infected patient in Palakkad has been released,” she added.
Contact List & Containment Measures
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that 345 people have been placed on the contact list — 211 from Malappuram, 91 from Palakkad, and 43 from Kozhikode.
The district collector of Palakkad has declared all wards within a three-kilometre radius of the infected person’s residence as containment zones. Key measures include: ban on public gatherings, restricted shop timings (open only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; medical stores exempt), hospital access only for essential cases (dialysis, cancer, emergency care) and mandatory use of N95 masks in the containment areas.
What Is Nipah Virus & Symptoms?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread through contaminated food or close contact with infected individuals.
Kerala has faced multiple Nipah outbreaks in recent years, with the virus known for its high fatality rate and rapid spread.
Symptoms usually appear 4 to 14 days after exposure and can progress rapidly. The early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain while later symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, seizures and even coma (in severe cases)
Precautions For Nipah
Avoid contact with infected humans or animals, especially fruit bats and pigs. Avoid consuming partially eaten food or fallen fruits. Wash hands frequently with soap and use masks, gloves to shield. Seek immediate medical care if flu-like symptoms appear, especially during an outbreak.
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