In the wake of a confirmed Nipah virus infection reported in a 42-year-old woman from Valanchery in Kerala’s Malappuram district, the state government has swiftly implemented a series of strict containment measures to curb the potential spread of the deadly virus.
The infected woman, currently receiving treatment at EMS Hospital in Perinthalmanna, tested positive after samples were examined at both the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, and the Kozhikode Microbiology Lab. Officials say her condition is being closely monitored and monoclonal antibody therapy has been recommended by the State Medical Board—pending final clearance from the Hospital Admission Committee. Meanwhile, her family has sought her transfer to Manjeri Medical College for further treatment.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Health Minister Veena George on the evening of May 8, several urgent decisions were made. A three-kilometre containment radius has been declared around the affected zones, while the Animal Husbandry Department has been instructed to collect samples from animals in the area, including a deceased cat, to assess potential zoonotic transmission.
George confirmed that 21 samples from seven of the patient’s high-risk contacts, including family members, have so far tested negative. However, two additional relatives have developed fever symptoms, prompting intensified contact tracing.
District magistrate VR Vinod, in his role as Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, issued containment orders under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Public Health Act, 2023. The designated containment zones include four localities of Valanchery municipality, three wards of Marakara panchayat, one ward of Athavanad panchayat.
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To support these containment efforts, 25 rapid response teams have been deployed for surveillance, public awareness, and monitoring. All contacts, whether categorised as high-risk or low-risk, will be under observation for 21 days. Hospitals have been directed to enforce strict infection control procedures and ensure that essential medications are in stock.
The public has been urged to stay alert, wear masks, sanitize regularly and avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals. These measures are being extended to public events, including the Ente Keralam exhibition in Kottakunnu, where mask usage and sanitisation are now mandatory.
This case marks the third Nipah outbreak in Malappuram and the sixth overall in Kerala since 2018. The detected strain belongs to the highly virulent Bangladeshi lineage, known for its zoonotic origins—often traced to fruit bats—and its potential for limited but severe human-to-human transmission.
George emphasised that while the situation remains under control, public cooperation and vigilance are critical in preventing further spread.
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