22 Jul 2024 • The death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus in Kerala has triggered a state-wide alert.

• Initially treated for acute encephalitis syndrome in Perinthalmanna, he was later transferred to Kozhikode Medical Hospital where he tragically succumbed to a massive cardiac arrest and the infection was confirmed by NIV Pune. Despite efforts by ICMR, including sending antibodies and a BSL-3 lab, his condition deteriorated before treatment could be administered.

• Following this, the Centre issued four urgent public health measures for Kerala: active case searches in affected families and neighborhoods, intensive contact tracing over the past 12 days, strict quarantine for contacts, and swift sample collection for testing. In support of these measures, a joint outbreak response team from the National ‘One Health Mission’ is being mobilized.

According to the state's health minister, an additional 60 people have been identified as being in the high-risk category of having the disease.

Source:MOHFW| Read full story