Kerala is on high alert after two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus emerged in Palakkad and Malappuram districts, raising widespread concern across the state. An 18-year-old student from Malappuram tragically died from the virus on July 1, while a 38-year-old woman from Palakkad remains in critical condition on ventilator support. Both cases were confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. In response, health authorities have issued emergency alerts in Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, deploying rapid-response teams and initiating aggressive contact tracing.
A total of 345 contacts have been identified so far—211 in Malappuram, 91 in Palakkad, and 43 in Kozhikode—with 58 classified as primary contacts. Containment zones have been declared in Palakkad, especially in Thachanattukara and Karimpuzha panchayats, where six wards have been sealed. Public gatherings have been banned, and shops are restricted to operate only until 6 PM, excluding pharmacies. Dedicated Nipah isolation wards have been established at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, while awareness campaigns and helplines have been activated to inform and guide the public.
This marks yet another outbreak in the state following previous episodes in 2018, 2021, and 2023. The Nipah virus, which spreads through fruit bats or human-to-human contact, has no specific treatment and poses a high fatality risk. Authorities are urging people to stay out of containment areas, wear N95 masks, practice strict hygiene, avoid crowds, and report symptoms such as fever, headache, or vomiting immediately. With the state’s health machinery in full swing, public cooperation remains key to containing this deadly virus.
