Nipah Outbreak Escalates: New Confirmed Case In Kerala Prompts Heightened Containment Measures In Kozhikode

In Kerala, another person has tested positive for the Nipah virus, bringing the total confirmed cases to six.

The 39-year-old patient who tested positive received treatment at the same private hospital in Kozhikode where other Nipah-positive patients had been.

The newly-infected individual is currently under observation in a Kozhikode hospital.

Meanwhile, two people have succumbed to the virus, and three other confirmed cases, including the latest one, are receiving treatment.

The two previous cases were relatives of the individual who died on 30 August, and are believed to be the first Nipah case in this outbreak.

To contain the virus, the state government has intensified efforts in Kozhikode district, where restrictions are imposed in nine panchayats. Educational institutions in the district will remain closed until tomorrow (Saturday), and all gatherings and functions are prohibited until 24 September.

As of now, 950 people are under observation as health workers diligently track individuals who had contact with confirmed cases. Among them, 231 are deemed high-risk, and 21 are admitted to hospitals.

To be prepared for any situation, the government has equipped the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode with 75 isolation rooms, six ICUs, and four ventilators.

To expedite testing, NIV-Pune has deployed a mobile lab with a bio-safety level-3 facility to Kozhikode. Additionally, a six-member team from the National Centre for Disease Control in Delhi has arrived to assess the situation.

As part of their investigation, the team will visit the two outbreak epicentres, Ayancheri and Maruthonkara panchayats, in an effort to gain a better understanding of the situation.