Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Saturday, July 20, that a 14-year-old boy from the state's Malappuram district has tested positive for the Nipah virus. The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the infection after analyzing the boy's samples.
She said, the boy, who is currently being treated at a private hospital and is on a ventilator, will be transferred to the government medical college in Kozhikode for further care.
"The contact tracing has begun. High-risk contacts have already been isolated, and their samples have been sent for testing," George added.
Meanwhile, the minister also reported that the epicenter of the virus has been identified as Pandikkad in Malappuram district, and precautionary measures have been initiated.
Additionally, she informed that monoclonal antibodies, previously procured from Australia and stored at Pune NIV, will arrive in the state on Sunday for the treatment.
Kerala govt initiated action
Further, it is pertinent to note that in response to the outbreak, the Kerala Health Department has set up 30 isolation rooms and a six-bed ICU at Manjeri Medical College to manage any additional cases. The officials informed that they have isolated all individuals who had contact with the infected boy.
"A three-kilometer radius around the epicenter in Pandikkad will be strictly monitored, and restrictions will be imposed," the Health Minister said.
Furthermore, a 24-hour control room with a call center has been established in Malappuram, the Health Minister added.
Kerala Health Ministry convenes high level meeting
Earlier, the Kerala Health Ministry convened a high-level meeting on Saturday, July 20. Health Minister Veena George, along with top officials, discussed measures to prevent a potential outbreak of the virus, which has previously affected the state on four occasions.
She added that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated according to the government order, and appropriate committees are working to lead Nipah prevention activities in the state.
Kerala govt announces intensification of Nipah prevention
It is important to note that the state government has recently outlined several key preventive measures to avert a Nipah outbreak, which has affected the state four times in the past.
Health Minister George had earlier urged the public not to destroy bat habitats, as disturbing them could increase the risk of virus transmission. She also advised against consuming fruits that have been bitten by birds and drinking honey from banana peels, noting that both could be contaminated by bats. Additionally, she highlighted the necessity of proper hygiene if anyone comes into contact with bats, their excrement, or objects they have bitten.
"We must all be vigilant and proactive in our efforts to prevent the spread of Nipah. By following these guidelines, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones," the Kerala Health Minister said.
Nipah strikes Kerala on four occasions
Nipah outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019. During its first outbreak in the state, the deadly virus has claimed 17 lives, while 3 lives were lost in 2023 by the time the disease was diagnosed. Significantly, the presence of Nipah virus antibodies has been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts.
(With inputs from PTI)
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