Lagatar24 Desk
Kozhikode: The death of a 14-year-old boy from Mallapuram district due to the Nipah virus has prompted swift action from the Centre. The boy, who showed symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), was initially treated in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health center in Kozhikode, where he later succumbed to the infection. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed the Nipah virus diagnosis.
In response, the Union health ministry has advised the Kerala government to implement four immediate public health measures to contain the outbreak. These steps include active case searches, contact tracing, strict quarantine protocols, and laboratory testing of potential contacts and suspects.
The state government is urged to conduct active case searches within the confirmed case’s family, neighborhood, and similar topographic areas to identify additional cases. Contacts of the confirmed case from the past 12 days must be traced, monitored for symptoms, and quarantined if necessary. Suspected cases showing symptoms should be isolated to prevent further spread of the virus.
Additionally, the health ministry recommends collecting and transporting samples from potential contacts and suspects for laboratory testing to ensure early detection and response.
To assist Kerala in managing the outbreak, a multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘One Health Mission’ will be deployed. This team will help investigate the case, identify epidemiological linkages, and provide technical support.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has sent monoclonal antibodies to the state for patient management. A mobile Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory has also arrived in Kozhikode to test additional samples from contacts. Unfortunately, the monoclonal antibodies could not be administered to the boy due to his deteriorated condition.
Kerala has faced Nipah virus outbreaks before, with the most recent one occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district. The virus is primarily transmitted by fruit bats and can infect humans through the consumption of bat-contaminated fruits.
