Kerala: 12-Year-Old Boy Dies Of Nipah Virus In Kozhikode

A 12-year-old boy from Kerala’s Kozhikode passed away on Sunday morning. He had tested positive for the Nipah virus. The boy, who hailed from Choolur in Chathamangalam panchayat, was admitted to a private hospital on September 1. His samples were sent to the Pune National Institute of Virology. They confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus.

The victim’s relatives and all those who treated him have been put under quarantine. Strict vigil has been imposed in Kozhikode.

Confirming the news Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George said, “Till now, no one from the family or other contacts of the 12-year-old has any symptoms. I am going to Kozhikode today, I will be joined by minister PA Mohammed Riyas.”

We have formed teams to handle the situation. Contact tracing and other measures have already been initiated. As of now, there is no need to panic, but we need to exercise caution: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on the death of a 12-year-old due to Nipah virus infection pic.twitter.com/BKneqWnWr4

— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2021

The news was also confirmed by the Government of India. The Central Government has rushed a team of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to the State to provide technical support. The Centre has also advised immediate measures to contain it. The measures include active contact tracing for any contacts in the past 12 days. Strict quarantine of the contacts. Collection and transportation of samples for lab testing, the ministry said.

The first Nipah virus disease (NiV) outbreak was reported in the Kozhikode district of Kerala on May 19, 2018. It had led to 17 deaths.

Also Read: Karnataka & Tamil Nadu On Guard As Zika Virus Spreads In Kerala