For the first time since the Nipah virus was first reported in Kerala in 2018, the state is now grappling with multiple primary Nipah cases emerging simultaneously—a serious shift from previous outbreaks that typically began with a single case followed by secondary transmission. Primary infections—directly transmitted from natural sources like fruit bats—have now been confirmed in Palakkad and Malappuram, with no signs of human-to-human contact in these cases.
This concerning development has prompted high alerts across six districts: Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur. A third recent case in Palakkad, involving a 58-year-old man, brings the total confirmed cases in the state to at least four this year, including two fatalities.
Authorities are now monitoring 609 people, including 112 close contacts of the latest fatality, with eight in ICU and 46 under high-risk surveillance. The government has launched ward-level fever monitoring, created containment zones, and temporarily closed schools in affected panchayats as part of aggressive containment efforts.
Experts warn that multiple simultaneous spillovers could signal a broader risk of transmission from wildlife to humans. The NCDC, ISRO, and ICMR are assisting with contact tracing, bat surveillance, and outbreak response. Surveillance data is being strengthened using CCTV footage, hospital records, and route maps.
With the threat escalating, health officials are urging the public to limit hospital visits, wear masks, and report fever or neurological symptoms immediately. As Kerala steps up its defense, public vigilance and rapid response will be key to curbing the spread of the deadly virus.