Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that 675 individuals are currently on the Nipah virus contact list across the state. Among them, 178 people have direct links to the second confirmed Nipah case reported from Palakkad district.
Breakdown of Contact Distribution by District
The Kerala health department provided a district-wise breakdown of identified contacts:
- Palakkad: 347
- Malappuram: 210
- Kozhikode: 115
- Ernakulam: 2
- Thrissur: 1
As reported by India Today, this distribution underscores the concentration of cases in Palakkad and Malappuram, the two districts most affected so far.
Second Nipah Death Confirmed in Palakkad
Earlier this week, Kerala recorded its second death due to Nipah virus in 2025. The deceased, a 50-year-old man from Mannarkkad in Palakkad, succumbed to severe respiratory distress. Initial tests confirmed Nipah infection. This follows an earlier fatality reported from Malappuram and multiple other confirmed cases this year.
Current Medical Status and Sample Testing
In Malappuram:
- One patient remains in the ICU
- 82 samples have tested negative for the virus
In Palakkad:
- 12 people are under isolation
- Five patients have been discharged
As of now, 38 individuals fall under the highest risk category, while 139 are listed as high risk.
Six Districts Placed on High Alert
Following the latest developments, health officials have placed six Kerala districts on high alert:
- Palakkad
- Malappuram
- Kozhikode
- Thrissur
- Kannur
- Wayanad
Authorities have intensified surveillance, containment measures, and contact tracing to prevent further spread.
Precautionary Measures Intensified Across Hospitals
To curb transmission, officials have made mask-wearing mandatory in Malappuram. Hospitals have been instructed to:
- Restrict bystanders
- Ensure that patients, staff, and visitors wear masks
- Report any cases of fever with Nipah-like symptoms or encephalitis
These proactive measures aim to prevent the escalation of infections and ensure timely detection of potential cases.