Fri May 09 14:10:03 UTC 2025: ## Nipah Virus Outbreak Prompts Emergency Measures in Kerala
**Malappuram, Kerala, May 9, 2025** – Kerala’s health department has launched a major response to a confirmed case of the Nipah virus in Valanchery, Malappuram district. A 42-year-old woman is critically ill in hospital after testing positive. As a precaution, 49 people who came into contact with her are under observation, with five currently isolated in Manjeri’s Government Medical College Hospital. All those isolated tested negative for the virus on Friday.
Health Minister Veena George has directed the implementation of the Disaster Management Act and Public Health Act against those refusing to cooperate with health officials. The Minister emphasized that 45 individuals, including the woman’s close family, are considered high-risk contacts. The source of the infection is being investigated; a sample from a cat found near the woman’s home is being tested for the virus at the NIHSAD lab in Bhopal.
Preventive measures are underway, including mandatory mask-wearing in public areas. The health department has released a map detailing the woman’s movements since she first exhibited symptoms on April 25th. While the Ente Keralam show will continue under strict health guidelines, upcoming events featuring the Chief Minister and Sports Minister have been postponed. The situation was reviewed at a meeting attended by various health officials and MLAs.
First Piper 