Kerala Records Nipah Virus Case After Malappuram Man's Death

A 24-year-old man from Malappuram died at a private hospital, Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed the cause was Nipah virus. Post-death tests confirmed the infection. A contact list of 151 has been identified, and five individuals under isolation show minor symptoms. Prior cases in Kerala were reported from multiple districts.

A 24-year-old man from Malappuram, who recently passed away in a private hospital, was infected with the Nipah virus, Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced on Sunday.

The suspicion arose following a death investigation by the Regional Medical Officer. The samples sent to Kozhikode Medical College tested positive, confirmed later by the National Institute of Virology, Pune.

A high-level meeting led by the health minister initiated necessary protocols. Sixteen committees formed, identified a contact list of 151 people. Five among them, showing minor symptoms, are under isolation. This incident follows previous outbreaks in Kozhikode, Ernakulam, and other districts.

(With inputs from agencies.)