Kerala: 24-Year-Old Man Dies Of Nipah Virus In Mallapuram

In a concerning development, Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced a 24-year-old man who recently passed away at a private hospital in Malappuram was infected with the Nipah virus. The suspicion of Nipah infection emerged after the Regional Medical Officer conducted an investigation into the death.

Minister Veena George stated in a video message, "The available samples were immediately sent for testing and it turned out to be positive." The man, originally from Mallapuran, had travelled from Bengaluru and died on September 9. His samples were subsequently sent to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital laboratory for testing.

NIV Pune Confirms Nipah Infection

The Kozhikode Medical College results confirmed the infection, prompting a high-level meeting led by the health minister on Saturday night. Following this, necessary steps were taken as per protocol. On Sunday, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune also confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus.

After the confirmation, Minister Veena George revealed that 16 committees were formed and a contact list of 151 individuals was identified. She mentioned that the deceased had travelled with friends to various locations, leading to close contacts being isolated. "Minor fever and symptoms were found in five of those under isolation and their samples have been sent for testing," she added.

Previous Nipah Outbreaks in Kerala

The first confirmed death due to Nipah infection in Kerala this year occurred on July 21 when a boy from Malappuram succumbed while undergoing treatment. Previous outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019. Antibodies against the Nipah virus have been detected in bats across Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts.

This recent incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by the Nipah virus in Kerala. Authorities are taking stringent measures to contain its spread and protect public health.