Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 6: Kerala is once again grappling with a Nipah virus scare, as 425 individuals across three districts have been placed on the official contact list, Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Saturday. The largest number of contacts has been traced in Malappuram (228), followed by Palakkad (110) and Kozhikode (87).

So far, only one person has tested negative, but health officials are taking no chances. Intensive surveillance, containment, and awareness efforts have been rolled out, especially in areas with high contact numbers.

Malappuram: Ground Zero for the Outbreak?

In Malappuram, health teams are leading an aggressive campaign to trace the source of the infection and prevent further spread. Twenty wards across the Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada panchayats are under active monitoring.

A 65-member team, led by Dr N.N. Pameela and supported by experts including C.K. Suresh Kumar, M. Shahul Hameed, and epidemiologist Dr Kiran Raj, conducted door-to-door surveys, visiting 1,655 households. A comprehensive report has been submitted to District Medical Officer Dr Renuka.

Palakkad: Healthcare Workers Under Watch

In Palakkad, one person is in isolation, while 61 healthcare workers who may have come into contact with a suspected case are being monitored. Localised isolation is being implemented, with samples sent for lab testing. Authorities have also released route maps to aid public awareness and encourage additional contact tracing.

Kozhikode: Entire Contact List Made Up of Health Staff

All 87 individuals on Kozhikode’s contact list are healthcare professionals, possibly exposed while responding to or treating suspected Nipah cases. Authorities are closely monitoring their health and have intensified fever surveillance in the district.

Emergency Measures in Place

The state government has deployed ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 emergency fleet, and established fever surveillance posts. Psychological support teams have also been mobilised to help individuals in isolation cope with anxiety and uncertainty.

Suspected Source: Fruit Bats Return to Spotlight

Health experts once again suspect fruit bats (flying foxes) as the likely source of the outbreak — consistent with previous cases in Kerala. The state has reported six Nipah outbreaks to date, making it the most affected region in India.

The first outbreak in 2018 in Perambra, Kozhikode, claimed 17 lives, including nurse Lini Puthussery, who became a national symbol of sacrifice after she died while treating the first known patient.

What is Nipah Virus?

Nipah (NiV) is a highly fatal zoonotic virus — it spreads from animals (primarily bats and pigs) to humans. Transmission can also occur through contaminated fruit, palm sap, or direct human-to-human contact via bodily fluids or surfaces.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain
• Vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness
• In severe cases, seizures, coma, and fatal encephalitis
There is no vaccine or cure for Nipah; treatment is supportive care to manage symptoms and complications.
State’s Response: High-Level Coordination

A high-level review meeting, chaired by Minister Veena George, brought together senior officials from multiple departments, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Health), NHM State Mission Director, Director of Medical Education, District Collectors, DMOs, police, and disaster management representatives.

Public Advisory

The Health Department has issued a public alert urging people to:
• Avoid eating fruits with bat bite marks
• Steer clear of raw palm sap
• Maintain hygiene and avoid close contact with the sick
• Report symptoms early and seek medical help immediately

Kerala’s health system, seasoned by past outbreaks, is once again racing against time — armed with lessons from the past and a strong frontline team — to prevent another full-blown health crisis.