Malappuram: A fresh Nipah virus scare has gripped Kerala’s Malappuram district after a 42-year-old woman from Valanchery tested positive, prompting health authorities to enforce strict containment measures and place the region on high alert.
Health Minister Veena George confirmed that the infected woman was not frequently outdoors, suggesting limited exposure. However, contact tracing is actively underway to determine all possible transmission links. Importantly, no unusual or sudden deaths have been reported in the district so far.
The patient began showing fever and breathing difficulties four days ago and is currently under treatment at a Perinthalmanna hospital. Given early signs of Nipah infection, she was promptly isolated and treated. Her samples were sent to a Pune laboratory, which later confirmed the infection. She is now being considered for antibody therapy, a crucial step in her care.
In response, authorities have enforced localized lockdowns within a 3-kilometre radius of Ward 2 in Valanchery Municipality, and in the Marakkara and Edappal Panchayats. Additionally, face masks have been made compulsory across the district.
Of the seven high-risk contacts tested so far, all samples have come back negative, offering some relief to health officials.
With the virus confirmed, Malappuram remains on maximum alert, as the health department intensifies monitoring and preventive action to contain any potential outbreak.
