Nipah Virus Victims' Route Maps Exposes High Risk Of Transmission

Route maps detailing the movements of two Nipah virus patients who succumbed in Kerala's Kozhikode district, one on August 30 and the other on September 11, have been made public.

The index case, Mohammedali, who passed away on August 30, sought medical attention at three hospitals after experiencing symptoms on August 22. On the evening of August 23, he attended a family event in Thiruvallur and visited Grameen Bank in Mullankunnu. He also attended Friday prayers at Kallad Juma Masjid on August 25. He also visited Shade Medical Centre in Kuttiady on August 26 and Rehma Hospital in Thottilpalam at 9.30 pm. After a stay of 3 hours, he was transferred to Iqraa Hospital at 12.30 am on August 29. Mohammedali received treatment in the emergency department from 2.30 am to 4.15 am and was later moved to the MICU, where he sadly passed away on August 30. His symptoms included fever and pneumonia, and medical professionals attributed his demise to complications arising from comorbidities.

The second victim, 40-year-old Haris from Ayanchery, who passed away on September 11, started exhibiting symptoms on September 5. He visited relatives' homes on September 5, 6, and 7, and also frequented Rubiyan Supermarket on September 7. Haris went to the family health center on September 8, followed by a visit to Thattankode Masjid on the same day. Later in the day, he went to Iqraa Hospital. On September 9, he visited the family health center at Villiyapally, and as his discomfort persisted, he returned to the health center on September 10, eventually going to the district hospital in Vadakara. On September 11, he consulted a doctor at home and was subsequently referred to Aster MIMS Hospital at 7 pm, where he passed away on the same day. Tests conducted at NIV, Pune, on Tuesday confirmed that his death was a result of a Nipah virus infection.

The State Health Department has compiled a contact list comprising 789 persons linked to the two deceased persons and two individuals currently receiving treatment after testing positive for the virus.

Among them, there are 371 individuals listed in connection with the first deceased person, 60 individuals linked to his son, who is currently receiving treatment, and 77 individuals associated with his brother-in-law. Additionally, 281 individuals are on the contact list of the second deceased individual. To date, seven samples, including those from confirmed Nipah patients, have been submitted for testing.

Furthermore, District Collector A. Geetha has imposed a 10-day ban on public events. Religious festivals may be observed solely through rituals without congregations, while previously scheduled weddings and receptions should proceed with minimal attendees and adherence to Nipah protocols, subject to obtaining police permission. Cultural and sports events are advised to be postponed during this period.