Kerala has confirmed a fresh case of Nipah virus, raising fresh public health concerns. The latest patient is a 32-year-old man from Palakkad, the son of a 58-year-old who died from the virus on July 12 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. The son, who was caring for his father during hospitalization, tested positive during a preliminary screening at Manjeri Medical College. He had already been placed under isolation as a high-risk contact.
With this development, the state health department has intensified containment efforts. A total of 675 individuals have been identified on the contact list across five districts—Palakkad (347), Malappuram (210), Kozhikode (115), Ernakulam (2), and Thrissur (1). Among them, 38 are classified as high-risk, with 139 under close observation. Thirteen patients are currently in ICU care in Malappuram, although 82 samples have tested negative so far. In Palakkad, 12 individuals remain in isolation, while 5 have been discharged.
Health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines, as Kerala ramps up surveillance and response to prevent further spread of the virus.
