Palakkad- Kerala has confirmed a new case of Nipah virus after a 38-year-old woman from Nattukal Kizhakkumpuram in Palakkad tested positive. The confirmation came from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, where her samples were sent for advanced testing.
The woman, currently under treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, began experiencing symptoms nearly 20 days ago. She initially sought medical help from local clinics in Palode, Karinkal Athani, and Mannarkkad, but her condition worsened, leading to hospitalization in Perinthalmanna. Preliminary testing there raised suspicions of Nipah, which have now been confirmed.
Health officials have moved swiftly, placing more than 100 people—primarily family members and close contacts—on a high-risk monitoring list. To contain any potential spread, the Health Department has declared a 3-kilometre radius around the affected area as a containment zone.
The containment area includes Wards 7, 8, 9, and 11 of Thachanattukara Panchayat and Wards 17 and 18 of Karippuzha Panchayat. Strict movement restrictions and heightened surveillance are now in place, as authorities race to prevent an outbreak.
The latest case has once again raised public concern, prompting state health officials to intensify containment and preparedness measures across the region.
