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Kerala Confirms New Nipah Virus Case in Palakkad District

July 4, 2025, 4:50 pm

A 38-year-old woman from Kerala’s Palakkad district has also been confirmed positive for the Nipah virus, leading to quick containment and surveillance by health officials. Another case, in Malappuram, is still under test.

The infected woman from Nattukkal is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district. Her samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for tests.

“District collector had told me that the woman is confirmed to have tested positive for Nipah virus,” said Muhammed Saleem KP, head of the local panchayat.

Containment Zones Declared, Contact Tracing Underway

Officially, they have started marking places where there could be spread. “Ward number 8 was announced as a containment zone along with some other partially infected wards within a three-kilometre-radius,” added Saleem.

Health authorities have drawn up a list of contacts who might have had contact with the patient prior to her diagnosis. At least 100 contacts have been identified by officials as high-risk contacts.

State Adopts Nipah Protocols in Affected Districts

Kerala Health Minister Veena George informed that the state had already started adopting Nipah virus protocols in Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode even before the confirmation of the new case.

“Under the protocols, 26 teams in each region have been constituted for contact tracing, surveillance of symptoms in quarantined individuals and public informing,” she added.

Nipah Virus: A Recurring Threat in Kerala

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and animals like pigs, can induce acute encephalitis (brain swelling) in people. Since no vaccine or treatment is available, the virus is characterized by signs such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, vomiting, and confusion. The fatality rate is 40% to 75%, which puts it on the list of the deadliest known viruses.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has Nipah ranked as a priority pathogen because of its epidemic potential.

Kerala has reported frequent Nipah outbreaks since 2018. That year, 17 people died. In 2019, a single case was reported and survived. In 2021, a 12-year-old boy succumbed. In 2023, eight people were infected and two died. Two deaths were reported in 2024. Most recently, in May 2025, a 42-year-old woman tested positive and recovered.

Vigilance Urged as Kerala Continues Battle Against Nipah

As the virus struck once again, Kerala’s health officials are calling people to exercise caution. Intensified monitoring, containment areas, and medical preparedness are now being implemented in the affected districts.

The authorities lay stress on coming forward in early stages of symptoms and not exposing oneself to positive cases or animals.

The state continues to count on rapid contact tracing and quarantine to avert further transmissions, as measures are ramped up to contain yet another public health panic.

Chequered history of epidemics in India

January 7, 2025, 9:13 pm

India has a long history of combating infectious diseases, with smallpox being one of the earliest documented viral illnesses. Ancient Indian texts, such as the Sushruta Samhita (circa 6th century BCE), describe a disease resembling smallpox, indicating its presence in the region for millennia. These texts show that India was aware of infectious diseases long before modern medicine, utilizing various methods to manage outbreaks. Smallpox, one of the most devastating diseases, existed globally for thousands of years, affecting civilizations across the world. The historical context of smallpox in India reflects the country’s early awareness of public health issues.

Smallpox

Smallpox, highly infectious with no known cure at the time, has a documented history in India as far back as 1350 BCE. Archaeological studies have found evidence of smallpox in the study of Egyptian mummies, which suggests that the disease was widespread and known across ancient civilizations. In India, smallpox outbreaks caused widespread mortality and affected various regions, contributing to the development of early medical systems.

The Indian National Smallpox Eradication Programme (NSEP) was founded in 1962 with the ambitious goal of vaccinating the entire population within three years. However, this initiative initially failed due to lack of coverage and challenges in reaching remote areas. The policy was adjusted in 1964, focusing on regions with higher incidence rates, such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Despite early setbacks, the NSEP’s revised strategy proved effective. After years of sustained vaccination campaigns and public health awareness, India became one of the key players in the global smallpox eradication effort. The Indian program succeeded in eradicating smallpox by 1977, following the global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Development of the Smallpox Vaccine

Dr. Edward Jenner, an English physician, is credited with developing the first smallpox vaccine in 1796. Jenner observed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox—a milder disease—seemed immune to smallpox. This led him to hypothesize that exposure to cowpox protected against smallpox. His landmark experiment involved inoculating a young boy with cowpox material, demonstrating the protective effect of the vaccine. Jenner’s discovery laid the groundwork for modern immunology and the eventual global eradication of smallpox.

Prior to Jenner’s work, the practice of variolation—intentionally infecting individuals with smallpox to induce a mild form of the disease and grant immunity—was used in various cultures. Jenner’s use of cowpox represented a more scientific approach to inoculation and marked a critical turning point in the fight against infectious diseases.

Rabies

Rabies has been recognized in India since at least 3000 BCE. The god of death in ancient depictions was often shown accompanied by a dog, symbolizing the association between dogs and fatal outcomes, likely due to rabies. During British colonial rule, rabies became widespread in both humans and animals, posing significant health risks. The colonial government faced mounting financial pressure as the number of rabies cases soared, especially following dog bites.

The Pasteur Institute of India played a pivotal role in addressing rabies, developing an inactivated rabies vaccine in 1970, which improved the country’s ability to manage and prevent the disease. The establishment of the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) further strengthened efforts to control rabies, focusing on training healthcare workers, raising awareness, and providing post-exposure prophylaxis. Despite these measures, India still faces a significant rabies burden, accounting for about 36% of the world’s rabies deaths.

Rabies Vaccine Development

Dr. Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and microbiologist, developed the first effective rabies vaccine in 1885. The first human patient treated with the vaccine, a nine-year-old boy named Joseph Meister, had been bitten multiple times by a rabid dog. After receiving 13 inoculations over 11 days, the boy survived without contracting rabies. Pasteur’s work revolutionized the treatment of rabies and paved the way for further breakthroughs in vaccine development.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as “monkey fever,” is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to South India, particularly the Western Ghats region. The disease was first identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka. Since then, it has posed significant public health challenges. The causative agent, a virus from the Flaviviridae family, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera). Over the years, KFD has spread beyond Karnataka, with cases also reported in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, expanding the geographic area of concern.

Public health efforts to combat KFD have included vaccination campaigns, tick control measures, and increased public awareness. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has been instrumental in researching KFD, developing diagnostic tools, and formulating vaccines. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated research into KFD in the 1960s, culminating in the development of an inactivated vaccine in 1985. This vaccine has been used to immunize individuals at risk, particularly those in endemic regions. Despite these efforts, KFD outbreaks are still reported regularly, and the disease remains a persistent public health threat.

Recent research has brought new hope for KFD control. In 2023, a study described the development of a single-dose vaccine using a genetically engineered vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) platform. This vaccine has shown promising results in animal models, including mice and macaques, and is now set to enter clinical trials. These developments represent a significant step forward in combating KFD, offering hope for better control and prevention.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV)

Chandipura virus (CHPV), identified in 1965 in Maharashtra, India, is primarily transmitted through sandfly bites. Initially considered a low-pathogenic virus, CHPV has been associated with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) outbreaks, particularly in children. The virus’s high case-fatality rate—up to 75% in some outbreaks—has made it a significant public health concern. Recent outbreaks, including one in 2024, have led to heightened awareness of the virus’s impact.
Preventive strategies for CHPV focus on vector control, early detection, and prompt medical intervention. Research into CHPV has contributed to the development of diagnostic assays and improved surveillance systems, with ongoing efforts to create effective vaccines. In 2011, researchers developed an inactivated vaccine candidate using Vero cells, which demonstrated immunogenicity in animal models. More recently, subunit vaccines targeting CHPV’s glycoprotein have shown promise, offering hope for a future vaccine.

Nipah Virus (NiV)

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. Since its emergence in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998, NiV has been responsible for several outbreaks in India, particularly in Kerala. The virus’s high fatality rate—often reaching 70%—and its ability to spread from animals (fruit bats) to humans have made it a critical focus of public health efforts in India. The state of Kerala has faced several outbreaks, with the most recent in 2018 resulting in 17 deaths. Surveillance, containment strategies, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure have been essential in managing outbreaks.

Ongoing research on NiV focuses on both vaccine development and therapeutic interventions. In 2024, the University of Oxford launched a clinical trial for a NiV vaccine, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States is testing an mRNA-based vaccine, mRNA-1215, for its safety and efficacy. These efforts, along with therapeutic antibody development, are crucial steps in the fight against NiV.

Way forward

India’s battle against infectious diseases such as smallpox, rabies, KFD, CHPV, and Nipah virus has been a long and ongoing effort. From ancient remedies to modern medical breakthroughs, the country has made significant strides in managing these diseases. Public health initiatives, advancements in vaccine development, and continued research are central to reducing the burden of these diseases. However, challenges remain, and continued investment in surveillance, research, and healthcare infrastructure is critical to safeguarding the health of India’s population in the face of evolving infectious threats.

Kerala Teen Who Died from Nipah Virus Ate Local Fruit

July 22, 2024, 3:41 pm

Following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus in Malappuram, Kerala’s health department confirmed that the boy had consumed hog plum fruit from his neighborhood, where fruit bats—known carriers of the zoonotic virus—are present.

Health Minister Veena George, after reviewing the situation in Malappuram, stated that the boy’s friends reported he had eaten the fruit, locally known as ambazhanga, from near his home days before he developed a fever. “We have confirmed the presence of fruit bats in that region. Prima facie analysis indicates that this could be the source of infection. Further examination is required to confirm this. A team of experts from the National Virology Institute in Pune will arrive in Malappuram on Monday to study the fruit bats in the area,” she said.

The minister noted that past incidents of the infection had shown that the virus strain in affected individuals in Kerala matched the strain found in fruit bats. Efforts, supported by the ICMR, are underway to check for the virus in fruits.

Historical data shows that previous Nipah outbreaks in Kerala, such as those in 2018 and 2023 in Kozhikode, were linked to areas with fruit bat presence. In 2019, a case in Kochi involved a fruit bitten by a bat. Similarly, in 2021, a boy who died in Chathamangalam had consumed rambutan fruit from the local area. The 2023 outbreak in Kozhikode, which resulted in two deaths, was traced to a banana farm frequented by fruit bats.

In 2021, NIV-Pune detected Nipah virus antibodies in fruit bat samples from Kozhikode, supporting the notion that these bats are the virus’s source. Infected fruit bats can also transmit the virus to other animals like pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep. Typically, fruit bats, the virus’s animal host reservoir, breed during May and June.

Kerala Teen Dies Of Nipah Virus In Kozhikode Hospital: State On High Alert

July 22, 2024, 11:01 am

A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala, succumbed to the Nipah virus on Sunday at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode. The tragic death follows a recent confirmation of the virus by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

The boy, who had been experiencing fever for ten days, was initially admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode and later placed on ventilator support. Upon confirmation of the Nipah virus on Saturday, he was transferred to the Medical College Hospital. Despite efforts, including administering monoclonal antibodies sourced from NIV-Pune, the boy suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead.

Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George reported that the boy had cardiac arrest at 10:50 AM and was declared dead at 11:30 AM. The Minister also noted that four individuals who had been in contact with the boy were showing symptoms of Nipah, with one being in critical condition and on life support. A mobile lab from NIV-Pune will be deployed to Malappuram for testing high-risk samples.

To date, tests have shown that seven people, including six of the boy’s friends, do not have the virus. However, 330 individuals, including 68 health workers, are currently under observation, with 101 categorized as high-risk.

In response to the outbreak, the Health Department has established a control room in Malappuram and issued an alert. A lockdown has been implemented in specific areas, including Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats, and a route map of the boy’s recent locations has been published to aid self-reporting. A door-to-door survey is planned in these areas.

The Central Government has dispatched a “One Health” outbreak response team to assist with the investigation, emphasizing the need for an active search for additional cases and strict quarantine measures. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has provided monoclonal antibodies, though their use was limited due to the boy’s critical condition.

Nipah virus, primarily affecting animals such as bats and pigs, can infect humans through contact with these animals and causes severe illness. Kerala has faced several Nipah outbreaks since 2018, with the death of this 14-year-old increasing the total fatalities to 21 in the state.

The Health Department is still investigating how the boy contracted the virus and has not confirmed if he is the index case for this year’s outbreak. Previous studies indicated that the 2018 Nipah outbreak in Kerala was linked to bat infections and hospital transmissions, with the virus strain identified as a highly lethal Bangladeshi variant.

Centre Recommends Urgent Steps Following Nipah Virus Death Of Kerala Teen

July 21, 2024, 5:21 pm

A 14-year-old boy from Mallapuram district in Kerala died due to the Nipah virus, prompting the Centre to launch an urgent public health response. Admitted first to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna with symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome, the boy was shifted to a higher health center at Kozhikode. He succumbed to the disease. His test results from the National Institute of Virology, Pune, confirmed the Nipah virus infection.

It has asked the State to undertake four immediate public health measures, including active case search and contact tracing. The state has been asked to carry out active case searches within the boy’s family, neighbourhood, and other similar areas to detect more cases. The contact tracing of the boy’s interaction during the last 12 days is also mandated to keep contacts under observation to prevent further transmission.

According to the advisory, the contacts of the confirmed case shall be strictly quarantined, and the suspects showing symptoms shall be isolated. Samples from potential contacts and suspects should be collected and sent for laboratory testing to enable early detection and response.

A multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘One Health Mission’ of the Union health ministry shall at its instances deploy to help the state government manage the outbreak. The team shall assist in case investigation, identification of epidemiological linkages, and technical assistance.

The ministry said the ICMR had sent at its request monoclonal antibodies for patient management. A mobile Biosafety Level-3 laboratory for testing the samples from contacts has also reached Kozhikode. Monoclonal antibodies could not be administered to the boy due to his poor condition.

Nipah virus outbreaks have been reported earlier in the State of Kerala, the latest being in 2023 at Kozhikode district. Fruit bats are primary carriers, and the infection is most often transmitted to humans through fruit infected by bats’ secretion.

Kerala: 14-Year-Old Dies After Testing Positive For Nipah Virus

July 21, 2024, 4:53 pm

14-year-old boy who tested positive for the Nipah virus at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital passed away from the disease on Sunday afternoon, Health Minister Veena George said.

“A case of Nipah virus has been detected in Mallapuram district of Kerala. A 14-year-old boy from Mallapuram exhibited AES symptoms and was admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health center in Kozhikode. However, the patient later succumbed to the disease. The samples were sent to NIV, Pune which has confirmed a Nipah virus infection,” Govt of India said in a press release.

The Centre has recommended that the state government implement immediate public health measures. These include conducting active case searches within the confirmed case’s family, neighborhood, and similar areas, as well as thorough contact tracing for the past 12 days. The guidelines also call for strict quarantine of contacts, isolation of any suspects, and the collection and transportation of samples for laboratory testing.

A multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘One Health Mission’ of the Union Health Ministry will be deployed to assist the State in investigating the case, identifying epidemiological connections, and providing technical support. Additionally, at the State’s request, the ICMR has sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management and a mobile BSL-3 laboratory for testing extra samples from contacts, which has now arrived in Kozhikode. Although the monoclonal antibodies arrived before the patient’s death, they could not be used due to the patient’s deteriorated condition.

It is important to note that Kerala has experienced Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) outbreaks in the past, with the most recent occurring in 2023 in Kozhikode district. Fruit bats are the primary carriers of the virus, and humans can contract it by consuming fruits contaminated by bats, according to the press release.

Previously, on Saturday, Veena George held a high-level meeting in the Malappuram district following reports of a suspected Nipah virus case in the state. The meeting focused on strategies to prevent the virus’s spread and ensure public safety. Officials also assessed the current situation and reviewed the measures implemented so far to manage the outbreak.

Kerala :Five more samples test negative for Nipah virus

September 24, 2023, 2:40 pm

The office of Kerala’s health minister said in a statement on Sunday that testing on five further samples sent for lab analysis had come back negative for the Nipah virus.
The office of Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George released a statement stating that samples taken from five individuals tested “negative” for the Nipah virus.
“No reports of new instances are made. 915 individuals are being held in isolation in their homes, the statement continued.

Also, Minister Veena George analysed the current situation in the core committee meeting this morning.
Earlier in a press briefing, Minister Veena George said that the state government has decided to strengthen the healthcare system.

Kerala to study population sample to find cause of repeated Nipah outbreaks

September 20, 2023, 1:59 pm

Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has announced that the state will initiate a seroprevalence investigation regarding the recurring occurrences of the Nipah virus in the Kozhikode district.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), these population-based seroprevalence surveys are essential for estimating the infection rate and immunity levels within a community, which aids in understanding the disease’s impact, transmission patterns, and associated risk factors.

The Chief Minister expressed concerns about the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) not providing a clear explanation for the persistent Nipah virus outbreaks in Kozhikode.

“So the state has decided to conduct a sero survey. Have asked the health department to prepare a detailed proposal for this,” CM Vijayan said in a media briefing in Thiruvananthapuram.

“It cannot be said that the Nipah threat has gone away. It is a relief that the disease has not spread to more people. The government is going ahead with effective measures to prevent the spread and ensure better treatment for those infected. The entire health system of the state is involved in this initiative with utmost caution,” he further added.

“A more dangerous situation was avoided because it was detected early. As soon as the abnormal fever was noticed, the government intervened and coordinated preventive measures,” the CM continued.

He also revealed that a Nipah action plan was drawn up and a Nipah Core Committee comprising 19 teams was formed.

Nipah Virus: Restrictions relaxed in containment zones in Kozhikode

September 19, 2023, 12:44 pm

As there have been no new cases of the Nipah virus infection in the state, the Disaster Management Department in Kozhikode, Kerala, has loosened the restrictions in the district, according to the officials on Tuesday.

The relaxations have been announced in the containment zones of nine panchayats.
Restrictions have been eased in 1,2,3,4,5,12,13,14,15 wards of Ayancherry Grama Panchayat, 1,2,3,4,5,12,13,14 wards of Maruthonkara Grama Panchayat, 1,2,7,8 wards of Tiruvallur Grama Panchayat, 9,20 wards, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 wards of Kuttyadi Grama Panchayat, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 wards of Kayakodi Grama Panchayat, 2,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 wards of Kavil Para Grama Panchayat, 3,4,5,6 wards of Vilyapally, 13th ward of Pumari and Thannirpanthal town of 4th ward, 1,2 and 19 wards of Changaroth panchayat.

Nipah virus: In Kerala one more case confirmed ; Total tally 6, active cases now 4

September 15, 2023, 10:25 am

A 39-year-old man in Kozhikode has been diagnosed with the brain-damaging Nipah virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Kerala to four, the state health department announced on Friday. With this, there have been a total of six infections with the Nipah virus in Kerala, including two fatalities. The 39-year-old patient is being watched in a hospital in Kozhikode, according to the office of the state’s health minister.

The state government has stepped up its efforts to stop the infection from spreading. On August 30 and September 11, the Nipah virus claimed the lives of two people in Kozhikode. In an effort to stop the spread of the deadly Nipah virus after two people died in the fourth outbreak since the year 2018, Kerala has closed some schools and offices this week. Gram Panchayats in the Kozhikode region that are affected have been designated as quarantine areas. On the contact list, samples of 15 people who fall into the high-risk category have been sent for testing.

The health official previously stated that there are 950 people on the contact list, 213 of whom fall under the high-risk category. The contact list also includes 287 healthcare professionals. Four high-risk patients are currently being cared for in a private hospital, and 17 others are being watched at the Kozhikode Medical College. Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, reviewed measures taken to contain the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala during a visit to the National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) in Pune on September 14.

Kerala: Amid Nipah outbreak 9 panchayats in Kozhikode declared containment zones

September 14, 2023, 7:18 pm

The number of Nipah infections in Kozhikode increased to five on Wednesday after a health worker tested positive for the virus, despite the fact that the illness’s origin remained unknown.

The state previously recorded 4 positive Nipah cases, two of which died in the last two weeks. The 24-year-old health worker whose samples proved positive for Nipah works at a private hospital in Kozhikode, where one of the infected sufferers died on August 30. The health worker and two others are being treated.

The contact list for the confirmed cases includes 153 health workers.

Meanwhile, the state administration increased control measures on Wednesday. A state-level control room was established, nine panchayats in Kozhikode district were declared containment zones, and 800-odd people were placed under watch after appearing on the contact lists of sick people.

The government imposed social separation in Kozhikode district for the next 10 days following a high-level meeting headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to examine the situation. All public functions in the district would be suspended, and social gatherings would be permitted only with limited participation and prior police clearance.

Following the meeting, Health Minister Veena George stated that 789 people on the contact list of confirmed patients had been identified. Since the infected people’s travel maps have been revealed, the contact list has grown even more. 77 of them are considered high-risk, and 17 have been quarantined in hospitals in Kozhikode. A nine-year-old boy is on life support after becoming infected. She stated that the ICMR was asked to supply the monoclonal antibody required for his therapy.

According to official authorities, attempts are underway to determine the origins of the infection. Because fruit bats are thought to be a reservoir of the virus and animal-to-human transmission is suspected, samples of fruits found partially chewed by bats were gathered from the villages of the deceased victims, Ayancheri and Maruthonkara. Local panchayat officials went door-to-door in the villages.

A team of doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control visited the control center, and two more teams, one from ICMR-Pune and the other from the Union Health Ministry, were scheduled to arrive in Kozhikode on Wednesday night to assist the state government in dealing with the crisis.

Kerala: Nipah cases on rise, over 700 on contact list

September 14, 2023, 12:04 pm

Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced another case of the Nipah virus on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections in the state to five. According to the minister, a 24-year-old health worker at a private hospital in Kozhikode has been diagnosed with the virus.

Currently, 706 people are on the contact list, with 77 classified as high-risk and 153 classified as health workers. Nobody in the high-risk category is currently exhibiting symptoms. As many as 13 patients are currently being monitored in the hospital for minor symptoms such as headaches.

The administration has recommended high-risk contacts to remain in their homes. Meanwhile, Kerala’s government has established 19 main committees to oversee all actions. The local self-government has created volunteer teams to assist in the delivery of supplies to individuals who are isolated.

So far, the brain-damaging virus has killed two people in Kerala. Ms Veena George stated earlier on Wednesday that the state is striving for “proactive detection” of infection before cases are confirmed in labs. The health administration is monitoring clinical symptoms in order to issue warnings ahead of time.

Ms George stated that the state administration is focusing on tracing contacts of sick people early and isolating individuals with symptoms. In response to a question in the Assembly today, the health minister stated that seven village panchayats in Kozhikode district had been declared containment zones: Atanchery, Maruthonkara, Tiruvallur, Kuttiyadi, Kayakkodi, Villyapalli, and Kavilumpara. The establishment of containment zones is part of the state government’s plan to control illness spread.

Education Minister V Sivankutty has also asked the Public Education Director to organize online classes for pupils from all schools in the containment zone, allowing them to attend classes from the comfort of their own homes.

Is Nipah virus in Kerala is Bangladesh variant, Find out the details

September 13, 2023, 1:15 pm

The Kerala administration declared in the state assembly on Wednesday that the brain-damaging Nipah virus, which has killed two of the four persons affected, was a strain of the Bangladesh version that passes from person to person. According to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, the variation has a high fatality rate but is less contagious.

George verified that the virus was responsible for the recent “unnatural deaths” in the state’s Kozhikode region. According to Reuters, one of those infected with the virus died this month, while the other died on August 30.

This is Kerala’s fourth Nipah outbreak since 2018. When Kerala first reported the Nipah outbreak in 2018, 21 of the 23 affected people died. Nipah claimed two more lives in 2019 and 2021.

There are no medicines or vaccinations available to combat the virus. The virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected bats, pigs, or other people’s bodily fluids. It was discovered following an outbreak of disease affecting pig farmers and others in close contact with pigs in 1999.

Nipah alert in Kerala after two ‘unnatural’ deaths

September 12, 2023, 12:52 pm

The Kerala health department issued a health alert in Kozhikode on Monday night after two people died in the district from “unnatural” causes and were suspected of being infected with the Nipah virus (NiV). According to state health minister Veena George, relatives of one of the deceased have also been brought to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

According to sources, the two deceased were admitted to a private hospital in the Kozhikode region. Earlier on Monday, the state health minister convened a high-level meeting to assess the district’s status.