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Thursday, July 17, 2025 — Kerala
The Kerala Health Department is intensifying efforts to contain the Nipah virus outbreak after identifying 675 individuals as contacts of three confirmed cases across the state. Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Tuesday that rigorous monitoring and sample testing are underway, with 82 samples from Malappuram district returning negative results for the virus.
The second confirmed Nipah case involved a 57-year-old man from Palakkad, who died on July 12 at a private hospital. Two additional cases include a Malappuram native who also succumbed to the infection and another Palakkad resident now receiving treatment in Kozhikode.
Breakdown of the Contact List:
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Malappuram district: 210 contacts
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Palakkad: 347 contacts
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Kozhikode: 115 contacts
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Ernakulam: 2 contacts
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Thrissur: 1 contact
Currently, one patient from Malappuram is in the ICU, while 12 are under isolation in Palakkad—five of whom have already been discharged. The minister highlighted that 38 people are categorized as highest risk and 139 as high risk, all under close surveillance.
The National Institute of Virology has collected 160 bat samples from Palakkad for analysis in Pune. Authorities have assured the public that, to date, there are no reports of unnatural animal deaths in the Nipah-affected zones. District officials confirmed that a bat carcass had been dispatched for detailed examination.
In response, entry and exit points in affected wards and panchayats—including Kumaramputhur, Karakurussi, and Karimpuzha, as well as the Mannarkkad municipality—have been sealed to prevent potential spread.
Hospitals across six districts—Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur—are on high alert. Facilities have been directed to promptly report any patients exhibiting symptoms such as fever, encephalitis, or other signs compatible with Nipah infection.
The World Health Organization identifies Nipah as a zoonotic virus, capable of transmitting from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or via direct human contact.
“Our topmost priority is tracing and containing all contacts. We are closely monitoring those at greatest risk and strengthening our surveillance and response mechanisms,” said Health Minister Veena George.
Disclaimer
This article is based on government announcements and official statements as of July 16, 2025. The situation regarding the Nipah virus is evolving, and new developments may arise. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to guidance from health authorities and official channels.
