Nipah virus outbreak: NCDC team in close contact with Kerala unit, actively monitoring situation

ANI July 5, 2025 351 views

A critical Nipah virus outbreak has emerged in Kerala, with two confirmed cases raising immediate health concerns. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely tracking the situation and coordinating response efforts. An 18-year-old female patient has already succumbed to the virus, while another 38-year-old patient remains on ventilatory support. Health authorities have identified over 300 potential contacts across Pallakad, Mallapuram, and Kozhikode districts, signaling a comprehensive containment strategy.

"The Central Surveillance Unit of IDSP, NCDC, is in close contact with the State unit" - Official Sources
By Shalini Bhardwaj, Thiruvananthapuram, July 5: The Central Surveillance Unit of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is in close contact with the State unit Kerala and is actively monitoring the situation after two cases of Nipah Virus Disease were detected by Kerala IDSP.

Key Points

1

Two Nipah virus cases detected in Kerala's Mallapuram and Pallakad districts

2

NCDC team actively monitoring outbreak situation

3

Over 300 contacts identified across three districts

4

One patient deceased, another on ventilatory support

According to official sources, the deployment of a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) is being considered.

"The Central Surveillance Unit of IDSP, NCDC, is in close contact with the State unit and is actively monitoring the situation. The deployment of a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) is being considered. The State Control Room has been activated for coordinating the various containment activities," sources told ANI.

As per official sources, one positive case is of Bishara Nehrin, an 18-year-old female resident of Mallapuram District. The place of residence is rural, with a nearby forested area and fruit orchards reportedly frequented by Fruit bats. The patient succumbed to the illness on July 1 2025.

"The post-mortem samples (Serum, CSF, NPS & lung tissue) were sent to Regional VRDL in GMC, Kozhikode on 2nd July and were reported positive by RT-PCR," they added.

Informing about the other case, sources stated that Hasanath, a 38-year-old female and resident of Pallakad district ."The patient is presently admitted to a private hospital in Mallapuram and is on ventilatory support. The samples sent to NIV Pune on 4th July 2025 were confirmed to be positive for NiVD Public Health Response."

The official sources further said that more than 300 contacts have been identified thus far in 3 districts: Pallakad, Mallapuram and Kozhikode.

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why does Kerala keep getting these outbreaks? Is it because of the forest areas? The government should do more research on fruit bats and their habitats. Prevention is better than cure!
A
Arjun K
My cousin lives in Kozhikode and they're really scared. The authorities should give daily updates to avoid panic. Also, why isn't there a vaccine for Nipah yet? After so many outbreaks, we should have developed one by now.
S
Sarah B
The quick response is commendable but I worry about the rural areas. Do they have proper isolation facilities? Last time many cases were from villages where healthcare access is limited.
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Vikram M
People should stop spreading fake news about this on WhatsApp. It creates unnecessary fear. Follow only official health department updates. Kerala health minister has been very transparent so far.
K
Kavya N
So sad about the 18-year-old girl who died. 😔 Her family must be devastated. The government should provide compensation and counseling to affected families. Money can't bring her back but it can help them rebuild their lives.

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Tags:
Nipah Virus Kerala Health Emergency NCDC Outbreak Monitoring Infectious Disease