The Kerala government has implemented strict measures in Malappuram district following a Nipah virus-related death. As of Monday, the government has made face masks mandatory across the district, declared five wards in two panchayats as containment zones, and compiled a list of 175 individuals who were in contact with the deceased.
The state’s health department confirmed on Sunday that a 24-year-old man, who passed away at a private hospital in Malappuram, tested positive for the Nipah virus at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.
Officials have designated wards 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Thiruvaly panchayat and ward 7 of Mambad panchayat as containment zones, located within a 3-kilometer radius of the deceased’s residence. Strict restrictions are now in place, including the closure of cinemas, educational institutions, madrasas, and anganwadis until further notice. Shops will operate from 10 am to 7 pm, with social distancing being strongly advised. Additionally, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in the containment zones have been postponed.
Partial restrictions have been imposed across the district, and authorities are encouraging reduced attendance at private events. Masks are now mandatory throughout Malappuram district.
Health Minister Veena George stated that 10 individuals who had close contact with the victim are currently receiving treatment at the Manjeri Government Medical College Hospital. Samples from 13 of the victim’s contacts have been sent for testing, with results pending.
The health department has identified 175 individuals who were in contact with the Nipah patient, including 74 healthcare workers. Out of these, 126 people are considered primary contacts, and 104 are classified as “high-risk,” currently under quarantine.
A detailed “route map” of the victim’s movements from September 4, when he first showed symptoms, to his death on September 9, has been published. The public is encouraged to inform health authorities if they had contact with the victim and to voluntarily quarantine themselves.
On Monday, local health workers carried out door-to-door fever surveillance in the containment zones, according to Thiruvali panchayat president Ramankutty K.
This case marks the second Nipah-related fatality in Kerala in 2023. In July, a 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad, located approximately 20 kilometers from the most recent victim’s home, succumbed to the virus. Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease primarily spread by fruit bats, causes severe respiratory and neurological symptoms in humans. The virus has a high mortality rate, and symptoms usually manifest 4-14 days after exposure. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention in controlling outbreaks.
