Kerala is once again grappling with a fresh Nipah virus scare as 425 individuals have been placed under observation across Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode districts. Health Minister Veena George confirmed that Malappuram accounts for the highest number of contacts at 228, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode. Among those monitored, one person has tested negative so far. In response, health authorities have ramped up door-to-door surveillance with 65 teams visiting over 1,600 households. Route maps have been published to aid awareness, while isolation and testing measures have intensified.
In Malappuram, aggressive tracing operations are being conducted in 20 wards, particularly in panchayats like Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada. Palakkad has one suspected patient in isolation, and 61 health workers have been identified as contacts. Kozhikode’s entire contact list comprises healthcare professionals. Fever surveillance and ambulance services like Kaniv 108 have been put on high alert, while mental health support is being prioritized for those under watch. Authorities suspect fruit bats—carriers of Nipah virus—as the source of this potential outbreak once again.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen known for causing acute brain inflammation, respiratory failure, and high fatality rates. Originating in Malaysia in 1999, the virus has caused repeated outbreaks in South Asia, with Kerala experiencing six so far. The first in 2018 claimed 17 lives, including nurse Lini Puthussery who heroically cared for the index case. With no vaccine currently available, the Health Department urges residents to avoid bat-bitten fruits and seek immediate medical care if symptoms like fever, headache, or dizziness occur.
