A 24-year-old youth has died from Nipah virus infection at a private hospital in Malappuram district, Kerala, bringing the total death toll from this outbreak to two. Five people who had close contact with the deceased are now exhibiting symptoms and have been placed in quarantine.
Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, announced the developments on Sunday, stating that the Regional Medical Officer had investigated the cause of death and suspected Nipah virus infection. Following this, samples were promptly sent for testing, confirming the presence of the virus.
The deceased, a resident of Malappuram, had recently traveled from Bengaluru to Kerala. He passed away on September 9, after which his samples were analyzed at Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital.
In response to the situation, Minister George convened a high-level meeting on Saturday night to implement necessary protocols. The infection was also confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune the following day.
To manage the outbreak, health officials have established 16 committees and compiled a list of 151 individuals who came into contact with the infected man. Those in close proximity have been quarantined, and five of them are showing mild fever and other symptoms, with their samples also sent for testing.
It is important to note that this is the second case of Nipah virus infection in the state this year; the first victim was a boy from Malappuram who succumbed to the illness on July 21.
