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A confirmed case of Nipah virus infection has been reported from Mallapuram district where a 14-year-old boy showed symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The patient was initially admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna and later shifted to a higher health centre in Kozhikode. Despite medical efforts, the boy succumbed to the disease.
Samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, where Nipah virus infection was confirmed.
In response, the central government has advised the state government of Kerala to take immediate public health measures, including:
- Active case search: Conduct in-depth investigation into additional cases within the family, neighborhood, and similar topographical areas of the confirmed case.
- Active contact tracing: Trace all potential contacts from the past 12 days.
- Strict quarantine: Ensure quarantine for contacts of the confirmed case and isolate all suspected cases.
- Monster collection: Ensure proper collection and transportation of samples for laboratory testing.
To support the state, the Union Health Ministry’s National ‘One Health Mission’ will deploy a multi-member joint outbreak response team. This team will help in investigating the case, identifying epidemiological links and providing technical guidance.
At the request of the state, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management and a mobile BSL-3 laboratory arrived in Kozhikode to test additional samples from contacts. Though the monoclonal antibodies arrived before the patient’s death, they could not be administered due to his poor health condition.
Kerala has previously experienced Nipah virus outbreaks, the most recent of which occurred in Kozhikode district in 2023. The virus, which is mainly carried by bats, can infect humans through eating bat-infected fruits.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.
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Nipah virus case detected in Kerala: 14-year-old succumbs to infection
A confirmed case of Nipah virus infection has been reported from Mallapuram district where a 14-year-old boy showed symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The patient was initially admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna and later shifted to a higher health centre in Kozhikode. Despite medical efforts, the boy succumbed to the disease.
Samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, where Nipah virus infection was confirmed.
In response, the central government has advised the state government of Kerala to take immediate public health measures, including:
-
Active case search: Conduct in-depth investigation into additional cases within the family, neighborhood, and similar topographical areas of the confirmed case.
-
Active contact tracing: Trace all potential contacts from the past 12 days.
-
Strict quarantine: Ensure quarantine for contacts of the confirmed case and isolate all suspected cases.
-
Monster collection: Ensure proper collection and transportation of samples for laboratory testing.
To support the state, the Union Health Ministry’s National ‘One Health Mission’ will deploy a multi-member joint outbreak response team. This team will help in investigating the case, identifying epidemiological links and providing technical guidance.
At the request of the state, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management and a mobile BSL-3 laboratory arrived in Kozhikode to test additional samples from contacts. Though the monoclonal antibodies arrived before the patient’s death, they could not be administered due to his poor health condition.
Kerala has previously experienced Nipah virus outbreaks, the most recent of which occurred in Kozhikode district in 2023. The virus, which is mainly carried by bats, can infect humans through eating bat-infected fruits.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.
