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Rachel V Thomas

Nipah Confirmed In Kerala; Patient Critical, 77 Contacts Under Surveillance

The <span>National Institute of Virology</span> (NIV) in Pune has confirmed <span>Nipah virus infection</span> in a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara in Kerala's Kozhikode district.

The patient, who was earlier shifted from a private hospital to a dedicated <span>Nipah</span> isolation facility at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, remains in critical condition and is currently on ventilator support under the close supervision of a team of specialists, as per officials.

The patient was initially transferred to the Medical College Hospital after testing positive in a preliminary examination conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL). Following preliminary test results that suggested Nipah infection, the Kerala Health Department swung into action and intensified surveillance and containment measures in Kozhikode district.

<h2>77 Contacts Identified Through Tracing Efforts</h2>

After confirmation from NIV Pune, health authorities launched extensive contact-tracing efforts. District officials have identified 77 people who may have been exposed to the patient through contact tracing:<ul></ul>

<li>15 people have been classified as priority contacts.</li><li>2 contacts fall under the highest-risk category.</li><li>13 contacts have been categorized as high-risk.</li><li>The remaining 58 contacts are healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the patient. </li>

Notably, the patient's immediate family members—including his wife, two children, father, and mother—have been placed under quarantine. 

In addition, two staff members of a private hospital in Kozhikode who interacted with the patient during earlier treatment have also been advised to remain in quarantine. Samples from five primary contacts have been sent to the VRDL laboratory for testing, as per media reports.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-survivors-may-face-covid-like-memory-loss-and-brain-issues-for-over-7-years-nih-study-article-154577800" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues For Over 7 Years: NIH Study</a>

<h2>No Need for Containment Zone Yet, Says Minister</h2>

As per District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty, none of the identified contacts are currently showing symptoms and there is no immediate need to declare a containment zone.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan also stated that the current situation does not warrant the declaration of a containment zone in Ramanattukara.

"The 15 priority contacts have been advised to remain in quarantine. A rapid response team meeting was held to ensure the availability of PPE kits and gloves. There is no shortage of medicines, and additional supplies will arrive from Chennai," the minister said.

<h2>Officials Probing Possible Source of Infection</h2>

The patient's initial symptoms included a high <span>fever</span> about a week ago and was later hospitalized with symptoms suggestive of encephalitis. But as his condition worsened, doctors tested for Nipah infection, which turned positive.

He is likely to have been exposed to the virus while cleaning an old godown in Puthukad, Malappuram district, reportedly connected to his soap manufacturing business.

Another likely source of infection is a chikoo tree located on the patient's property, where officials have reportedly observed the presence of bats and bird droppings.

"Anyone developing fever should voluntarily isolate themselves, wear a mask, and avoid close contact with others. However, making masks mandatory for the public is not being considered at present, as the situation does not require such a measure," Madhavikutty told reporters.

This is the 11th Nipah outbreak reported in Kerala since the virus was first detected in the state in 2018.

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According to the World Health Organization, Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food and, in some cases, directly from person to person.

In humans, infection can range from asymptomatic illness to severe respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis (brain inflammation). The virus can also infect animals such as pigs, causing significant economic losses for farmers.

Although outbreaks have been limited mainly to parts of Asia, the virus is known for its high fatality rate and potential to cause severe disease.

<h3>Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection</h3>

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Breathing difficulties</li><li>Cough and sore throat</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Muscle pain</li><li>Severe weakness</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Altered consciousness in severe cases</li><li>Encephalitis (brain inflammation)</li></ul>

Nipah virus is considered a major public health threat because of:

<ul><li>Its high mortality rate</li><li>The ability to spread through close contact</li><li>The absence of a specific antiviral treatment</li><li>The lack of an approved vaccine for widespread use</li></ul>

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The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has confirmed Nipah virus infection in a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara in Kerala's Kozhikode district.The patient, who was earlier shifted from a private hospital to a dedicated Nipah isolation facility at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, remains in critical condition and is currently on ventilator support under the close supervision of a team of specialists, as per officials.The patient was initially transferred to the Medical College Hospital after testing positive in a preliminary examination conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL). Following preliminary test results that suggested Nipah infection, the Kerala Health Department swung into action and intensified surveillance and containment measures in Kozhikode district.77 Contacts Identified Through Tracing EffortsAfter confirmation from NIV Pune, health authorities launched extensive contact-tracing efforts. District officials have identified 77 people who may have been exposed to the patient through contact tracing:15 people have been classified as priority contacts.2 contacts fall under the highest-risk category.13 contacts have been categorized as high-risk.The remaining 58 contacts are healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the patient. Notably, the patient's immediate family members—including his wife, two children, father, and mother—have been placed under quarantine. In addition, two staff members of a private hospital in Kozhikode who interacted with the patient during earlier treatment have also been advised to remain in quarantine. Samples from five primary contacts have been sent to the VRDL laboratory for testing, as per media reports.Also read: Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues For Over 7 Years: NIH StudyNo Need for Containment Zone Yet, Says MinisterAs per District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty, none of the identified contacts are currently showing symptoms and there is no immediate need to declare a containment zone.Health Minister K. Muraleedharan also stated that the current situation does not warrant the declaration of a containment zone in Ramanattukara."The 15 priority contacts have been advised to remain in quarantine. A rapid response team meeting was held to ensure the availability of PPE kits and gloves. There is no shortage of medicines, and additional supplies will arrive from Chennai," the minister said.Officials Probing Possible Source of InfectionThe patient's initial symptoms included a high fever about a week ago and was later hospitalized with symptoms suggestive of encephalitis. But as his condition worsened, doctors tested for Nipah infection, which turned positive.He is likely to have been exposed to the virus while cleaning an old godown in Puthukad, Malappuram district, reportedly connected to his soap manufacturing business.Another likely source of infection is a chikoo tree located on the patient's property, where officials have reportedly observed the presence of bats and bird droppings. "Anyone developing fever should voluntarily isolate themselves, wear a mask, and avoid close contact with others. However, making masks mandatory for the public is not being considered at present, as the situation does not require such a measure," Madhavikutty told reporters.This is the 11th Nipah outbreak reported in Kerala since the virus was first detected in the state in 2018.   What Is Nipah Virus?According to the World Health Organization, Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food and, in some cases, directly from person to person.In humans, infection can range from asymptomatic illness to severe respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis (brain inflammation). The virus can also infect animals such as pigs, causing significant economic losses for farmers.Although outbreaks have been limited mainly to parts of Asia, the virus is known for its high fatality rate and potential to cause severe disease.Symptoms of Nipah Virus InfectionCommon symptoms include:FeverHeadacheBreathing difficultiesCough and sore throatDiarrheaVomitingMuscle painSevere weaknessDizzinessAltered consciousness in severe casesEncephalitis (brain inflammation)Why Is Nipah a Concern?Nipah virus is considered a major public health threat because of:Its high mortality rateThe ability to spread through close contactThe absence of a specific antiviral treatmentThe lack of an approved vaccine for widespread use

nipah confirmed in kerala; patient critical, 77 contacts under surveillance

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