Kerala Issues Nipah Alert in Three Districts After Two Suspected Cases Emerge

GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, 4th July: Health authorities in Kerala have issued a Nipah virus alert across Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts after two individuals showed symptoms suspected to be linked to the deadly virus. The cases were identified during routine testing at government medical colleges in Kozhikode and Malappuram.

According to an official release, samples from the suspected patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.

Health Minister Veena George, who chaired an emergency meeting on Friday, said preventive measures have already been strengthened in accordance with the state’s established Nipah protocol. “We have activated contact tracing and stepped up surveillance in the affected districts,” she said.

Each district has deployed 26 special teams tasked with tracing contacts, monitoring symptoms, and spreading public awareness. District Collectors have been instructed to set up containment zones, while police support has been sought to trace individuals who may have been exposed.

The health department is also investigating any recent unexplained deaths as a precautionary step to detect possible early signs of an outbreak. Meanwhile, helplines are being established at the local and state levels to assist residents and provide accurate information.

Another high-level meeting has been scheduled for later in the evening to review developments and ensure a coordinated response.

Kerala has previously faced Nipah outbreaks in 2018 and 2023, both resulting in fatalities, making swift action crucial to preventing a recurrence.