Kerala on Nipah Virus Alert After Confirmed Kozhikode Case, 77 Contacts Under Surveillance

Kerala has intensified emergency health measures after confirming a Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode district , triggering large scale containment, surveillance and contact tracing operations as authorities move to prevent any further spread.

The infection was confirmed in a 43 year old man from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode , who is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and remains under close medical observation.

According to district authorities, officials have already identified 77 people who came into contact with the patient , including 58 healthcare workers, 14 family members, and five friends and colleagues . Health officials said none of the contacts has shown symptoms so far.

Of those identified, two individuals have been placed in the highest risk category, 13 in the high risk category, and 62 in the low risk category . Everyone categorised as highest risk and high risk has been placed under mandatory quarantine , while health teams continue monitoring and screening operations.

District Collector M S Madhavikutty said the patient’s route map has been prepared , and field level containment activities have already begun. Rapid Response Team meetings were held in Ramanattukara municipality as part of preparedness efforts.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said the patient initially developed fever that subsided before returning, leading to hospitalisation. Before being diagnosed, he had reportedly visited a hospital outpatient department and later underwent MRI and echocardiography examinations , increasing the number of potential exposures.

Authorities suspect the infection may have originated when the patient cleaned a recently rented godown linked to his business activities. Officials are investigating the site because fruit bats, the natural reservoir of Nipah virus , are commonly associated with such environments.

The state government said adequate medicines, PPE kits, gloves and masks have been arranged and a control room has been opened at the district medical office to support public inquiries and response efforts.

This is the latest in Kerala’s repeated encounters with Nipah outbreaks since 2018 , with earlier cases reported in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam and Palakkad , several of which proved fatal.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that spreads between animals and humans and can also transmit through close human contact, especially in healthcare settings. The disease can lead to encephalitis or swelling of the brain , and public health experts advise avoiding contact with bats, infected animals and potentially contaminated food sources.