Fri Jul 04 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Nipah Outbreak Spurs Heightened Alert in Kerala: Over 300 Under Observation
**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala -** Kerala health authorities are on high alert following the confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in the state, prompting widespread contact tracing and stringent precautionary measures. Health Minister Veena George announced today that 345 individuals are currently under observation as part of the contact list, with the majority located in Malappuram (211), followed by Palakkad (91) and Kozhikode (43).
The confirmed cases emerged after preliminary tests conducted at medical colleges in Malappuram and Kozhikode raised concerns, leading to sample confirmation at the Virology Institute in Pune. One patient undergoing treatment in Palakkad has tested positive, and the patient’s route map has been released to aid in tracking potential contacts.
Notably, all individuals on the contact list in Kozhikode are healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of infection control protocols within medical facilities. Suspected Nipah infections are also being investigated among those on the contact list in Malappuram and Palakkad.
In response to the outbreak, alert advisories have been issued for the affected districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Experts are urging the public to refrain from driving away bats, the suspected source of the virus, using firecrackers or other methods.
Authorities are prioritizing intensified contact tracing, particularly around hospitals and health institutions, and are diligently verifying that no potential contacts have been missed. Hospitals have been instructed to ensure adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. The source of the virus is also being actively investigated.
“Efforts are underway to collect data from the regions starting three weeks prior to the onset of symptoms in the confirmed cases, which appeared on the 25th and 26th of last month,” stated Minister George. “We will also investigate any instances of deaths from encephalitis or pneumonia in these areas during that period.”
State and district control rooms have been established, and 26 committees have been formed in each of the three affected districts. The police are assisting in compiling the contact lists, and district collectors have declared containment zones in two districts, mandating mask usage within these areas.
A high-level meeting was held today, bringing together key officials from the Health Department, National Health Mission, Directorate of Health Services, Directorate of Medical Education, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, police officials, and other relevant departments to coordinate the response and implement the necessary protocols to contain the spread of the virus.
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