Healthy Tips for Nipah Virus: Kerala Update

India is on high alert after a 14 - year - old boy succumbed to the Nipah virus in Kerala . The state 's health minister , Veena George , stated that 60 individuals are considered to be at high risk of contracting the disease . The boy hailed from Pandikkad , and those who had close contact with him have been isolated and tested . Precautionary measures , such as wearing masks in public places and avoiding visits to hospitals , have been advised to the public in the area.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans . The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has classified Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its potential to cause epidemics . Unfortunately , there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus . The infected boy passed away from a cardiac arrest , as reported by Veena George to local media.

Dr. Anoop Kumar from Aster MIMS Hospital mentioned that a school - going boy has tested positive for Nipah , and individuals who were in contact with him are under observation . While he believes there is a low risk of an outbreak at this point , monitoring will continue for the next 7 - 10 days . There are 214 people on the primary contact list of the boy , with 60 falling into the high - risk category . Isolation wards have been set up in health institutions to provide treatment.

Following the confirmation of a Nipah case in Malappuram , family members of the affected patient were placed under observation in a local hospital . The government is actively tracing potentially affected individuals to prevent the spread of the virus . Since its emergence in 2018 , Nipah has been linked to several deaths in Kerala , with parts of the state being identified as high - risk areas for the virus.

The first detection of the Nipah virus was 25 years ago in Malaysia , leading to outbreaks in Bangladesh , India , and Singapore . Authorities are working diligently to control the situation and prevent further transmission , emphasizing the importance of isolating affected individuals and closely monitoring those at risk . Vigilance and proactive measures are crucial in combating the spread of this deadly virus.