Authorities in Kerala, India are on high alert after the recent death of a 14-year-old boy from the deadly Nipah virus. This virus, originating from fruit bats and animals like pigs, can cause a brain-swelling fever in humans and has been classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its epidemic potential.
The state’s health minister, Veena George, has announced the establishment of 25 committees to identify and isolate those at risk of Nipah. Dr. Anoop Kumar from Aster MIMS Hospital confirmed a positive case in a school-going boy, but reassured the public that the chances of an outbreak are low at this stage.
With 214 people on the primary contact list of the affected boy, 60 are considered high-risk and have been placed in isolation wards at health facilities. Family members are under observation in a local hospital, while others potentially at risk have been advised to self-isolate.
The government is actively working to trace all potentially affected individuals to prevent further spread of the virus. Since its first appearance in Kerala in 2018, Nipah has claimed numerous lives in the region and has been linked to outbreaks in countries like Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, and Singapore.
As the situation unfolds, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures to protect themselves and others from the threat of Nipah.
