Health authorities in India’s Kerala state have issued an urgent alert after a 14-year-old boy from the town of Pandikkad succumbed to the Nipah virus. The state’s health minister, Veena George, confirmed the boy’s death and revealed that 60 individuals identified as high-risk contacts are now under isolation and undergoing testing.
“We have isolated and tested those who came into contact with the boy to prevent further spread,” Minister George stated. “We urge people to take necessary precautions, including wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits unless absolutely necessary.”
The Nipah virus, classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a zoonotic illness, is transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans. The virus can also spread through contaminated food and direct contact with an infected person. Due to its high fatality rate and potential to trigger epidemics, the WHO has designated Nipah as a priority pathogen.
Since its first appearance in Kerala in 2018, the Nipah virus has been responsible for numerous fatalities in the state. The recent death of the 14-year-old boy highlights the ongoing threat posed by this deadly virus. Indian media reported that the boy died on Sunday, just a day after being diagnosed with the infection.
The geographic and environmental conditions in parts of Kerala make it particularly susceptible to the virus. An investigation by Reuters last year revealed that the state’s tropical climate, rapid urbanisation, and deforestation create ideal conditions for zoonotic diseases like Nipah to thrive. Experts argue that habitat loss forces animals to live in closer proximity to humans, facilitating the transmission of the virus.
In response to the latest fatality, the Kerala state government has announced the development of an action plan to prevent a Nipah outbreak. Last year, authorities took drastic measures, including closing schools and offices, after confirming five cases.
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Melissa Enoch
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