Nipah Virus Outbreak In Malappuram: Could Bat-Infested Wild Hog Plum Be the Cause Of Kerala Boy’s Death?

Health officials investigating the Nipah virus source in a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, who died on Sunday, suspect he might have eaten a wild hog plum. This fruit, known locally as Ambazhanga, could have been contaminated by fruit bats.

A central health team has been dispatched to Malappuram and Kozhikode to prevent further spread of Nipah. The district health team identified 350 people who had contact with the deceased boy. Among them, 101 individuals in Malappuram are considered 'high-risk' and are under strict medical observation.

Central Team's Efforts

"A central team is been assigned in areas identified by our team of volunteers to identify those showing symptoms of the virus. Alerts have been issued in each ward and Panchayat in Malappuram where any individual showing symptom should report it to the nearby primary health centre. A call centre has also been set up for this purpose. The route Map of the boy has been prepared and is been shared with the media," stated a health official.

The boy's route map has been shared with the media to help trace potential contacts. Health volunteers are monitoring those on the contact list and high-risk category at various hospitals in Kozhikode and Malappuram.

Suspected Source of Infection

Health department sources believe that the boy may have contracted the virus after consuming a wild hog plum infested by bats. The investigation wing suspects that these plums were from an area frequented by fruit-eating bats.

"The boy along with four of his friends went to a spot, approximately 2km away from his home, on July 6. They walked through a nearby ground and reached a site with trees and canal nearby. The disease investigation team also has information that the boys had a bath in the canal and they consumed hog plums of a wild variety from the area," said one of the volunteer in the health department who is been assigned in Malappuram.

Timeline of Symptoms

A week after exposure, the boy showed symptoms and was initially taken to a private hospital. As his condition worsened, he was moved to another hospital on July 15 and admitted to pediatric ICU until July 19 before being transferred again. Despite receiving medication from Australia, he succumbed to a massive heart attack caused by the virus.

Efforts continue to monitor and control any further spread of Nipah virus in affected areas. Health teams remain vigilant, ensuring all contacts are under observation while investigating potential sources of infection.