First Fatality A 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad in Kerala’s Malappuram district succumbed to a Nipah virus infection on Sunday. He was receiving treatment at the Kozhikode Government Medical College, and his samples tested positive for the virus at the Pune Virology Institute on Saturday. Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported that the boy was on ventilator support and suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10:50 am, with his death confirmed at 11:30 am.
Illness Progression The boy developed a fever on July 10 and initially sought treatment at a private clinic on July 12. He then visited a private hospital in Pandikkad on July 13. By July 15, he was admitted to the Pandikkad hospital and later transferred to another private hospital in Perinthalmanna. On Friday, he was sent to a private hospital in Kozhikode, and by Saturday, he was moved to the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.
High Alert Issued The state government has intensified efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. Restrictions have been imposed in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayat areas. Health Minister George stated that 246 people who came in contact with the boy have been identified, with 63 of them classified as ‘high-risk’.
Close Contacts Under Observation Among the high-risk contacts are the boy’s father and uncle, who are currently under observation at the Kozhikode Government Medical College. Four other high-risk contacts have been admitted to the Manjeri Government Medical College. One individual at Manjeri is receiving ICU support due to a confirmed viral fever, though doctors do not believe it is Nipah; samples have been sent for testing to rule out the infection. Samples from all high-risk contacts will be tested soon.
