Kerala has reported a fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus, placing 425 people under surveillance across three districts. Malappuram tops the list with 228 contacts, followed by Palakkad (110) and Kozhikode (87). One suspected case has tested negative so far.
The state&rsquo;s Health Minister, Veena George, confirmed intense containment efforts, including door-to-door tracing in 20 wards of Malappuram. A medical team led by Dr N.N. Pameela visited over 1,600 homes, tracking symptoms and exposure.
In Palakkad, one person remains isolated, and 61 healthcare staff have been flagged as high-risk contacts. Kozhikode&rsquo;s list includes 87 medical professionals potentially exposed during treatment efforts.
Ambulance services, including Kaniv 108, are on standby, and fever surveillance has been ramped up. Authorities have released route maps of confirmed cases to alert the public. The source of the outbreak is suspected to be fruit bats, known carriers of Nipah.
A high-level review, chaired by Minister George, involved top officials from health, police, and civic bodies. Kerala has now witnessed six Nipah outbreaks since 2018, the deadliest being in Kozhikode, where 17 lives were lost, including nurse Lini Puthussery.
The virus causes fever, headaches, respiratory distress, and, in severe cases, brain inflammation and death. With no vaccine available, treatment is supportive. The public is advised to avoid fruits bitten by bats and report symptoms early.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Kerala Battles Fresh Nipah Outbreak, 425 Under Watch

State launches aggressive surveillance after fresh Nipah virus cases surface in three districts.

Kerala Battles Fresh Nipah Outbreak, 425 Under Watch

State launches aggressive surveillance after fresh Nipah virus cases surface in three districts.

July 6, 2025 | 16:04 IST