Kerala has sounded a health alert after two confirmed deaths linked to the deadly Nipah virus emerged from Palakkad district. State health authorities have initiated emergency surveillance and containment operations across six districts, sparking concerns of another potential outbreak.
What Happened: Second Death Confirmed
A 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur in Palakkad died on July 12 at a private hospital in Malappuram. Initial tests confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus, and subsequent reports from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, validated the infection—making it the second confirmed Nipah fatality in this fresh episode.
The first death had occurred a few days earlier, also from Palakkad. Meanwhile, a third suspected death is under investigation, with samples sent to NIV for confirmation.
Kerala on Nipah Watch: Districts Under Alert
The Kerala Health Department has declared a high alert in the following districts:
- Palakkad
- Malappuram
- Kozhikode
- Thrissur
- Kannur
- Wayanad
All district hospitals have been instructed to report cases with fever, respiratory distress, or neurological symptoms immediately. Public entry in hospitals is now restricted, and only one caregiver per patient is allowed.
Nipah Tracking: 543 Contacts, 46 High-Risk
Kerala’s disease surveillance teams have traced 543 individuals who had direct or indirect contact with the deceased patients. The breakdown is as follows:
| District | Contacts Traced |
|---|---|
| Palakkad | 219 |
| Malappuram | 208 |
| Kozhikode | 114 |
| Ernakulam | 2 |
| Among these, 46 individuals are classified as high-risk contacts directly linked to the most recent death. These individuals are under strict isolation and monitoring. |
So far, 62 samples from Malappuram have tested negative, bringing some relief to health officials.
Understanding Nipah Virus: Why It's Dangerous
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Carried mainly by fruit bats, the virus has a high mortality rate, ranging between 40% and 75%, depending on healthcare access.
Key Symptoms
- High fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Disorientation
- In severe cases: encephalitis (brain inflammation) and coma
There is no specific vaccine or cure. Treatment remains supportive, and early detection is crucial.
Kerala’s Emergency Response
Health Minister Veena George confirmed that teams have been deployed for:
- Door-to-door fever screening
- Contact tracing using CCTV and mobile tower data
- Route mapping and risk assessment
- Hospital readiness with isolation wards and ICU preparedness
Authorities are also coordinating with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and WHO for further guidance.
Public Advisory: What You Should Do
To reduce the risk of infection, the Kerala Health Department has advised the public to:
- Wash hands regularly
- Avoid partially eaten fruits or palm sap
- Use masks, especially in hospitals and public places
- Report any symptoms early
- Do not visit containment zones unless necessary
A Look Back: Kerala’s History with Nipah
Kerala has faced multiple Nipah outbreaks in recent years:
- 2018 – Kozhikode: 17 deaths
- 2021 – Kozhikode: 1 child fatality
- 2023 – Kozhikode: 6 cases, 2 deaths
- 2025 – Ongoing: 2 confirmed deaths
Each time, early detection and contact tracing helped the state contain the virus effectively. Authorities hope for a similar outcome in the current episode.
Final Word
Kerala’s health machinery is on full alert as it races to prevent a major Nipah outbreak. With hundreds under observation and public anxiety rising, early reporting, awareness, and hygiene practices are the first lines of defense.
Emergency Numbers & Resources
- Kerala State COVID/Nipah Call Centre (Malappuram district): 0495‑2381000, 2380085, 2380087
- Kerala Directorate of Health Services (Thiruvananthapuram):
- Office line: 0471‑2519339
- Health Inspector room: 0471‑2519319
- Emergency Ambulance & Services: Dial 108 (Pan‑India)
Kerala Health Department and Nipah Resources
- Kerala DHS Nipah cell info and guidelines PDF – Kerala DHS website
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Nipah virus guidelines – ncdc.mohfw.gov.in
- Kerala Health Department website – https://dhs.kerala.gov.in
Stay informed and safe. Report symptoms early, follow guidelines, and use official resources.
