News Desk

Health officials in Kerala state, southern India, are implementing precautionary measures following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus and the identification of 60 individuals at high risk, announced the state’s health minister on Sunday.

Parts of Kerala are identified as among the highest global risk areas for outbreaks of the Nipah virus, according to a Reuters investigation last year. Nipah, transmitted from fruit bats and animals like pigs, can cause a fatal brain-swelling fever in humans.

Classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah is known for its potential to spark epidemics. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available. Kerala’s health minister, Veena George, reported that a 14-year-old boy infected with Nipah died from cardiac arrest on Sunday.

She further stated that the government has initiated measures, including the formation of 25 committees, to identify and isolate affected individuals as part of Nipah virus control efforts.

Dr. Anoop Kumar, director of critical care medicine at Aster MIMS Hospital in Calicut, reported a single case of Nipah virus in a schoolboy, with close contacts under observation.

He emphasized a low likelihood of a Nipah outbreak currently but stated vigilance would continue for the next seven to 10 days. According to the statement, 214 individuals are listed as primary contacts of the boy, including 60 classified as high-risk, with isolation facilities established in health institutions for patient care.