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A 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad in Malappuram, Kerala, has tested positive for the Nipah virus, raising concerns about a potential outbreak in the region. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed the infection, following initial positive results from tests conducted in Kerala. The boy is currently in critical condition and has been transferred to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
Health Minister Veena George, who visited the district to coordinate prevention efforts, announced the confirmation from NIV, urging residents of Malappuram to remain vigilant. The health department has initiated a comprehensive response, placing 214 individuals on the boy's contact list under observation. Of these, 60 individuals are considered high-risk and are being kept in isolation while their samples are collected and tested immediately.
The department is actively identifying all individuals who have come into contact with the boy, and a detailed route map of his movements will be released shortly. This information will include the timings of the child's travel, allowing anyone who may have been in contact with him to inform the department through dedicated Nipah control rooms. These control rooms will provide assistance with testing and address any concerns.
The boy's illness began on July 10 with the development of fever. He was initially taken to a private clinic two days later and subsequently admitted to a private hospital in Pandikkad on July 13. After being transferred to private hospitals in Perinthalmanna and Kozhikode, the infection was confirmed from a sample collected at the hospital in Kozhikode. The health department has been quick to respond to the situation, establishing a 24-hour control room in the district to implement Nipah protocol measures.
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The virus can also spread through contaminated food or directly between people. Nipah virus infection can cause a wide range of illnesses, from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory issues and fatal encephalitis. The recent confirmation of Nipah virus in Kerala underscores the importance of prompt and decisive action to contain any potential spread and protect public health.