A 24-year-old man died (Second Nipah Death) of Nipah virus in Malappuram district, Kerala.
The health department adopted the Nipah protocol and implemented containment measures.
Social movement restrictions and face mask mandates were imposed in Malappuram.
Previous Nipah Cases in Kerala
This was the sixth Nipah virus spillover in Kerala since 2018.
A total of 22 people have died of Nipah in Kerala.
There were outbreaks in Kozhikode in 2021 and 2023.
The victim developed fever, difficulty walking, and was admitted to a hospital.
The virology lab in Kozhikode flagged the test positive for Nipah.
The government declared containment zones, imposed restrictions, and traced contacts.
Nipah Virus Transmission
Bats are considered the primary carriers of the Nipah virus.
The virus can be transmitted through contaminated fruits or direct human-to-human contact.
Healthcare workers, friends, and family members of infected individuals are at high risk.
Challenges in Identifying the Source
It is unclear where the 24-year-old victim contracted the virus.
Experts have differing opinions on the exclusive link between Nipah and bats.
Attempts to destroy bat colonies after the 2018 outbreak were unsuccessful.
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