A fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus has triggered high alert across six districts in Kerala after a 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur in Palakkad tested positive posthumously. The man died at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram on Saturday night while being treated for fever and related symptoms.
His samples, sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, tested positive, confirming the second Nipah case in the district. Even before the official result, health authorities had begun intensive contact tracing and containment protocols in Palakkad and Malappuram.
A total of 46 close contacts have been identified and placed under observation. Health Minister Veena George confirmed that a detailed contact list, route map, and family tree have been prepared to trace the source and prevent further spread.
Surveillance footage has been reviewed to trace the deceased&rsquo;s movements. Teams of health workers are conducting door-to-door checks in Kumaramputhur, advising residents on symptoms and safety measures.
Use of face masks is now mandatory in hospitals, and public is advised to avoid unnecessary hospital visits in affected districts. Currently, 543 individuals across the state are under medical observation &mdash; including 219 in Palakkad, 208 in Malappuram, and 114 in Kozhikode.
As a precaution, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur, and Wayanad districts have also been placed on alert. This marks the sixth Nipah case in Kerala within a year, following deaths in Pandikkad (July 2024) and Wandoor (September 2024).
The Nipah virus, a highly fatal zoonotic disease believed to be spread by fruit bats, has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Authorities continue to stress early detection, isolation, and strict adherence to public health guidelines.
[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 on High Alert After Fresh Nipah Death in Palakkad

Six districts in Kerala placed under surveillance as new Nipah case emerges in Palakkad post-mortem

Kerala on High Alert After Fresh Nipah Death in Palakkad

Six districts in Kerala placed under surveillance as new Nipah case emerges in Palakkad post-mortem

July 14, 2025 | 17:28 IST