Kerala has sounded a health alert across six districts after a 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur near Mannarkkad in Palakkad district succumbed to Nipah virus, marking the second confirmed case in the state this year.
The patient passed away on July 12 at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, and initial tests conducted at Manjeri Medical College confirmed the infection. Final confirmation is awaited from the National Institute of Virology in Pune, according to Health Minister Veena George.
In response, hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur districts have been placed on high alert.
The state has compiled a contact list of 543 individuals, with 46 linked to the latest case. Authorities have collected CCTV footage, created a route map, and prepared a family tree to aid in tracing potential exposures. Fever surveillance has been stepped up, and mobile tower data is being used for further monitoring.
High-Risk Monitoring:
- Malappuram: 208 contacts
- Palakkad: 219 contacts
- Kozhikode: 114 contacts
- Ernakulam: 2 contacts
A total of 36 people are in the highest-risk category, while 128 are under high-risk observation. Ten individuals are receiving treatment in Malappuram, including two in ICU. One person is under isolation in Palakkad.
Minister Veena George urged citizens to avoid unnecessary hospital visits, especially in Palakkad and Malappuram. She advised limiting hospital attendants to one per patient and mandated mask-wearing for health workers, patients, and visitors.
Hospitals have been instructed to report any cases with fever or encephalitis symptoms resembling Nipah, and healthcare teams have been directed to be on standby should new cases arise.
Kerala has faced multiple Nipah outbreaks in recent years, and health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant while cooperating with containment and surveillance efforts.