Nipah Virus Claims Life of 14-Year-Old in Kerala; Centre Activates Emergency Response

Nipah Virus: Tragedy struck Mallapuram district in Kerala as a 14-year-old boy succumbed to the Nipah virus, prompting swift action from health authorities. Initially showing symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), the boy was admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna and later transferred to a higher health center in Kozhikode, where he tragically passed away. Subsequent testing by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed a Nipah virus infection.

Nipah Virus Claims Life of 14-Year-Old in Kerala

In response, the Union health ministry has urged the Kerala government to implement urgent public health measures. These include active case search and meticulous contact tracing within the family, neighbourhood, and similar topographical areas. Contacts of the confirmed case are being rigorously quarantined, with strict isolation protocols for symptomatic suspects to prevent further spread.

Centre Activates Emergency Response

To bolster Kerala's efforts, a multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘One Health Mission’ will be dispatched. This team will aid in case investigation, establish epidemiological connections, and provide vital technical support.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has swiftly responded to Kerala's request by sending monoclonal antibodies for patient management. Additionally, a mobile Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory has been set up in Kozhikode to expedite testing of samples from contacts.

Nipah virus outbreaks have previously occurred in Kerala, notably in 2023 in Kozhikode district. The virus, primarily transmitted by fruit bats, can infect humans through bat-contaminated fruits, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing such zoonotic diseases.

Health authorities continue to emphasize vigilance and adherence to precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of further transmission in the affected region.

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