Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that 425 individuals across the state have been placed on the Nipah virus contact list. Malappuram district accounts for the highest number, with 228 contacts, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode.
Among those listed, one person has tested negative so far. Health authorities are actively monitoring the situation and have launched comprehensive surveillance and containment measures in affected regions.
In Malappuram, intensive ground operations are underway to identify the outbreak’s origin and prevent its spread. Surveillance activities have covered 20 wards across Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada panchayats.
As part of door-to-door awareness and contact-tracing efforts, 65 teams have visited 1,655 households. The survey was led by Dr N.N. Pameela, with technical guidance from C.K. Suresh Kumar, M. Shahul Hameed, and epidemiologist Dr Kiran Raj. A detailed report has been submitted to District Medical Officer Dr Renuka.
In Palakkad, one person remains in isolation, and 61 healthcare workers have been identified as close contacts. The health department has opted to isolate individuals locally while sending only their samples for testing.
To aid public awareness and assist tracing efforts, route maps of confirmed cases in Palakkad and Malappuram have been released.
In Kozhikode, all 87 individuals on the contact list are healthcare professionals possibly exposed during medical response and treatment activities.
Ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 fleet, have been placed on standby to manage the situation. Fever surveillance has been intensified, and the health minister has stressed the need to provide psychological support to those under observation.
Efforts to identify the source have been intensified, with fruit bats—known carriers of the Nipah virus—again suspected to be the origin.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Health Minister Veena George was convened in the district. It brought together senior officials such as the additional chief secretary of the health department, NHM state mission director, director of medical education, additional directors, district collectors, district medical officers, police officers, and representatives from various departments.
Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic pathogen that spreads from animals to humans. It causes severe symptoms, including acute encephalitis and respiratory distress, and can be fatal.
First detected in Malaysia in 1999, Nipah has led to multiple deadly outbreaks across South and Southeast Asia. Kerala, now the most Nipah-affected state in India, has recorded six outbreaks.
The state’s first incident occurred in 2018 in Perambra, Kozhikode, claiming 17 lives, including nurse Lini Puthussery, who died after caring for the index patient prior to diagnosis.
Investigations confirmed fruit bats, or flying foxes, as the likely source. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals (such as pigs), consumption of bat-contaminated fruits or palm sap, and person-to-person contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, seizures, coma, and encephalitis.
No vaccine currently exists for Nipah, and treatment remains supportive.
The Health Department has called on the public to stay vigilant, avoid fruits bitten by bats, and seek immediate medical help if symptoms develop.