Sun Jul 06 15:46:10 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Palakkad and Malappuram districts in Kerala, India, are facing a Nipah virus outbreak. An adolescent girl from Malappuram has died, and a woman from Palakkad is in critical condition. Health officials are conducting surveillance, providing mental health support, and setting up additional ICU and isolation facilities. Containment zones have been established in affected areas, and residents are urged to follow safety protocols, including wearing N95 masks and avoiding travel. Hundreds of people are under observation, and psychological counseling is being provided.

**News Article:**

**Nipah Outbreak Strikes Kerala: One Dead, Another Critical; Containment Measures Implemented**

**Palakkad/Malappuram, July 6, 2025** – Health officials in Kerala are battling a Nipah virus outbreak across the Palakkad and Malappuram districts. The outbreak has already claimed the life of an adolescent girl from Chettiyarangadi, near Makkaraparamba, in Malappuram. A 38-year-old woman from Thachanattukara in Palakkad is currently fighting for her life in the ICU.

Health Minister Veena George confirmed that 383 individuals are under observation across the state, with the majority located in Malappuram (241) and Palakkad (142). Kozhikode has 92 under observation, and Kochi has 2. Twelve individuals are currently hospitalized in Malappuram, with five requiring intensive care. Four individuals connected to the Palakkad patient are also receiving treatment in isolation.

District administrations are taking aggressive measures to contain the spread of the virus. Containment zones have been established in several wards of Thachanattukara and Karimpuzha panchayats. Residents within these zones are urged to adhere to strict guidelines, including avoiding gatherings, refraining from hospital visits, and consistently wearing N95 masks when venturing outside.

“We have offered psychological counselling to 165 persons over telephone,” said Palakkad District Collector G. Priyanka.

Authorities have also increased healthcare capacity, setting up additional ICU and isolation facilities in Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. A 24/7 control room has been established at the Government Medical College in Palakkad (0491-2504002).

Health officials are urging anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, breathing difficulties, mental confusion, or loss of consciousness to immediately contact local health workers or the control room. Residents are also advised to maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent hand sanitization. The situation is developing rapidly, and authorities are working to monitor and control the spread of this deadly virus.

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