Kerala Health Authorities Battle Nipah Virus Outbreak in Malappuram

Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed a Nipah infection in a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram. The boy is undergoing treatment while high-risk contacts have been isolated. Precautions, including mask-wearing and restricted movement, are being enforced. The state is implementing rigorous measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Saturday a Nipah infection in a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram district.

George, addressing the media, said the National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the infection. The boy, currently under treatment at a private hospital, will be moved to the government medical college in Kozhikode. Contact tracing has commenced, with high-risk contacts isolated and samples sent for testing.

The epicenter is identified as Pandikkad in Malappuram. Precautionary measures, including mask-wearing and visitor restrictions in hospitals, have been initiated. The state will receive monoclonal antibodies from the Pune lab on Sunday. The Health Department has established 30 isolation rooms and a six-bed ICU at Manjeri Medical College. A three-kilometer radius around Pandikkad is under stringent observation.

(With inputs from agencies.)