Mon Sep 16 06:00:17 UTC 2024: ## Nipah Virus Confirmed in Kerala, 24-Year-Old Man Dies

**MALAPPURAM, KERALA (September 15, 2024):** Health authorities in Kerala have confirmed the death of a 24-year-old man from Wandoor in Malappuram district was caused by the Nipah virus. The confirmation came from the National Institute of Virology in Pune on Sunday, following the man’s death at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna last Monday.

The deceased, a student in Bengaluru, had been admitted with symptoms of hepatitis and displayed signs of encephalitis, leading to suspicion of Nipah virus infection. Serum samples were sent to the virology laboratory at Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, and tested positive on Saturday.

Following the positive result, the Health Department immediately implemented Nipah protocol procedures, forming 16 committees and awaiting final confirmation from the Pune institute.

A total of 151 individuals identified as primary contacts of the victim have been isolated. Five of these contacts have shown mild symptoms and their samples have been sent for Nipah testing.

District Medical Officer R. Renuka reassured the public, stating that there is no cause for worry. The authorities are tracing and observing all individuals who may have come into contact with the deceased.

This latest case marks the second confirmed Nipah virus death in Kerala this year. In July, a 14-year-old schoolboy from Pandikkad succumbed to the virus, triggering restrictions in two panchayats across the district.

Read More