Kerala Reports Fresh Nipah Virus Case; Patient on Ventilator, 77 Contacts Under Watch

Kerala has reported a fresh Nipah virus case, prompting heightened surveillance and contact tracing efforts in Kozhikode district. State Health Minister K. Muraleedharan confirmed on Thursday that the patient is currently on ventilator support while health authorities await final confirmation from the Virology Institute.

"The results are positive. Test results from the Virology Institute are awaited," Muraleedharan told reporters.

The development comes as Kerala continues to remain vigilant against Nipah virus outbreaks, which have affected the state multiple times in recent years.

What Is the Condition of the Patient?

According to the Health Minister, the patient initially sought treatment for a persistent fever at Crescent Hospital in Calicut before being shifted to another medical facility.

"The patient was first admitted with high fever in Crescent Hospital, Calicut. Later, he went to another hospital. As he ran a fever continuously, the hospital suspected it to be a case of Nipah virus. At present, the patient is on a ventilator. He came in contact with 77 persons, including 58 health workers, 14 members of his family and 5 friends. There are no symptoms of disease in the people he came in contact with," the minister said.

Health authorities have launched extensive contact tracing and monitoring measures to prevent any potential spread.

Who Are the People Being Monitored?

Officials have identified 77 individuals who came into contact with the patient. These include 58 healthcare workers, 14 family members and five friends.

According to the Health Minister, none of the identified contacts has shown symptoms of the disease so far, offering some reassurance as surveillance continues.

Why Has the Government Issued a Warning About Bats?

Muraleedharan urged the public to exercise caution during the May-to-September period, which is considered a high-risk season for Nipah transmission due to increased interactions with fruit bats, the natural reservoir of the virus.

"May to September is a dangerous time period- don't try to touch or provoke Bats during this time. If you see them, alert the authorities. We are working on how to prevent Nipah cases," Muraleedharan added.

The advisory is aimed at reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission from bats to humans.

What Is Nipah Virus and How Does It Spread?

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that primarily spreads through contact with infected fruit bats or their bodily fluids. Human infections can also occur through contaminated food sources and close contact with infected individuals.

Person-to-person transmission is possible through exposure to bodily fluids, making rapid identification and isolation of cases critical to containing outbreaks.

The virus can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, and outbreaks often require extensive public health interventions.

What Measures Have Authorities Taken?

Following confirmation of the case, health authorities established a dedicated Nipah Isolation Ward at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.

The move is part of Kerala's standard outbreak response strategy, which includes isolation facilities, contact tracing, testing and public awareness campaigns.

Has India Seen Recent Nipah Fatalities?

In February, a nurse infected with the Nipah virus died following a cardiac arrest in West Bengal, according to the state health department. The death was reported as the first Nipah-related fatality in the state in a decade.

The incident underscored the continuing threat posed by the virus and the need for sustained vigilance across the country.

What Is the Situation Regarding Shigella Infections?

Alongside the Nipah case, Kerala health authorities are also monitoring a Shigella outbreak in parts of the state.

"Total 20 persons have been reported positive for Shigella. The situation is under control. Some local restaurants which are operating in very dirty conditions must be closed. We have given instructions to this effect," Muraleedharan said.

State Minister T. Siddique also stated that the outbreak remains under control and that necessary containment measures have been initiated.

How Serious Is the Shigella Outbreak?

Health officials recently confirmed Shigellosis infections in two students from a school in Wayanad—a four-and-a-half-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl.

According to authorities, 339 people have reported symptoms associated with the infection. Of these, 21 are receiving treatment at Sultan Bathery Taluk Headquarters Hospital, while 38 others are undergoing treatment at private hospitals.

Officials have said that none of the patients is currently in serious condition, and the administration continues to closely monitor the situation.

(With inputs from ANI)