Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that a 14-year-old boy from Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district has tested positive for the Nipah virus in the state.
The state is battling its fifth outbreak since 2018 of a virus for which there is no vaccine, and which spreads through contact with the body fluids of infected bats, pigs or people, killing up to 75 percent of those infected.
A 15-year-old boy from Chembrassery, near Pandikkad, has been admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode after exhibiting symptoms of the virus.
The boy, initially treated at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, was suspected of having Nipah, leading to his transfer to Kozhikode for further treatment.
Health Minister Veena George confirmed the case, noting that initial tests at a Kozhikode lab returned positive results. Official confirmation from the Pune Virology Institute has also verified the presence of Nipah.
In response to the confirmation, health authorities have activated the Nipah protocol. Three individuals who had close contact with the boy are now under quarantine, and a comprehensive contact list is being prepared.
The boy’s parents and uncle are also under surveillance as per health department guidelines.
The child first developed a fever five days ago and sought treatment from a pediatrician in Malappuram. As his condition worsened, he was transferred from Moulana Hospital in Perinthalmanna to the current facility in Kozhikode. His condition is reported to be critical.
Minister George has established a control room in the district and is actively coordinating the response. She convened a high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss preventive measures and ensure public safety. Committees have been formed to oversee the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Nipah virus control.
Earlier in 2018, a Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode district resulted in 17 deaths and 18 confirmed cases.
Source link
Valley Vision
