Nipah Virus raises concerns in Kerala

Tiruvananthapur: Kerala Health Minister Veena George arrived in Kozhikode on Tuesday, responding to reports of two deaths possibly linked to the Nipah virus. The National Institute of Virology in Pune is currently investigating the cause of these deaths, with results pending. Addressing the media, Minister George assured that Kozhikode is on high alert for the virus, with all necessary protocols in place, ready to be implemented as needed. She explained that the situation arose when a death was initially attributed to other causes, but subsequent fever cases among close contacts raised suspicions. The minister expressed that they are awaiting test results from five samples. The suspected cases have emerged approximately 15 kilometers from the initial Nipah virus outbreak site in Kozhikode, first identified in May 2018 and then again in 2021. Nipah virus infection is zoonotic, with the potential to transmit from animals to humans. Additionally, it can spread through contaminated food or direct contact.