One Dead from Nipah Virus in Kerala, India; Second Death This Year

By Jose Devasia

KOCHI, India – A 24-year-old student has died from the Nipah virus in the southern Indian state of Kerala, according to a local medical official. As a precautionary measure, 151 individuals who had contact with the victim are being monitored to prevent further spread of the virus.

This marks the second death due to Nipah in Kerala since July. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its potential to cause an epidemic. Currently, there is no vaccine or effective treatment for the virus.

Certain areas in Kerala are considered high-risk for Nipah outbreaks, as highlighted by a previous investigation. The virus, which is transmitted from fruit bats and animals like pigs, can lead to severe neurological symptoms and fever in humans.

The student began exhibiting fever symptoms on September 4 and tragically passed away five days later, stated R. Renuka, a district medical officer in Malappuram, located in northern Kerala. A blood sample taken from the victim and sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the Nipah infection on September 9.

Additionally, five other individuals displaying primary symptoms of a Nipah infection have had their blood samples collected for testing. It has not been disclosed if these individuals were directly linked to the deceased.

Currently, nearly 151 individuals are under observation for any symptoms, as they were identified as primary contacts of the victim, who had recently traveled from Bengaluru.

This incident marks the second Nipah-related death in Malappuram this year, following the loss of a 14-year-old boy in July. Nipah has been responsible for the deaths of numerous individuals in Kerala since it first emerged in the state in 2018.