Daijiworld Media Network - Malappuram
Malappuram, May 8: In a concerning development, a 42-year-old woman from Malappuram, Kerala, has tested positive for Nipah virus, reigniting fears of another outbreak in the region that has seen repeated cases since 2018.
The woman, who had been battling fever and Nipah-like symptoms, tested positive in a third round of testing after two earlier tests in Kozhikode returned negative. Confirmation from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, arrived on Thursday. She has been isolated at a hospital in Perinthalmanna, and authorities have launched contact tracing and containment measures in the area.
Nipah virus is a deadly zoonotic disease with a high fatality rate. The 2018 outbreak in Kerala resulted in 18 deaths. Fruit bats are natural hosts, and the virus spreads through contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated food.
Two of the woman’s family members recently recovered from a prolonged fever. Their pet dog died recently, prompting additional concern from local health authorities. The woman remains under strict medical observation, and containment protocols are being activated. The Kerala Health Department is on high alert, especially after two young deaths due to Nipah in 2024.
No vaccine or specific treatment exists for Nipah virus. Supportive care is the only medical intervention available. Symptoms range from asymptomatic to fatal encephalitis. Citizens are advised to avoid eating fruits bitten by bats or fallen on the ground, report fever with neurological or respiratory symptoms promptly, and follow local health advisories and containment measures.
The resurgence of the virus underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness, especially in districts like Malappuram with a history of outbreaks.