A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala, has tragically passed away due to the Nipah virus. The patient was under treatment in a hospital and suffered a heart attack on Sunday, leading to his unfortunate demise. Kerala's Health Minister confirmed the boy's death on Sunday, just a day after the Nipah virus infection was detected.
On Saturday, the state health department confirmed that a teenager from Malappuram district had tested positive for the Nipah virus. According to Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, the boy suffered a heart attack at 10:50 AM, and despite efforts to save him, he couldn't be revived.
Statement from the Health Minister
George said, "He was on ventilator support. This morning, his urine output had decreased. After the heart attack, attempts to save him were unsuccessful, and he passed away at 11:30 AM." The minister added that the boy’s funeral would be conducted in accordance with medical protocols. The boy’s father and uncle are currently in Kozhikode Medical College. At present, three people are in isolation at Kozhikode Medical College.
According to the Kerala Health Ministry, four people who tested positive for the Nipah virus have been categorized as "high risk" and are being treated at Manjeri Medical College.
Malappuram is the Most Affected
Presently, the Pandikkad area of Malappuram district is the center of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. In an advisory, George urged people from the severely affected areas and surrounding regions to wear masks in public places and avoid visiting patients in hospitals. People are also advised not to consume fruits that appear to be partially eaten or bitten by birds or animals.
The Health Ministry advised, "Always wash fruits thoroughly before eating. Avoid consuming beverages like toddy stored in open containers." The state government recently announced a special action plan to prevent the outbreak, which has troubled the state four times before—in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019.
What is the Nipah Virus?
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. It can spread from bats and pigs to humans. This virus can cause fever, vomiting, respiratory illness, and inflammation of the brain.
What are the Symptoms of the Virus?
In addition to producing symptoms similar to common viral fever, the infection affects the nervous system. It affects the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis or brain inflammation. This can result in the patient slipping into a coma within 24 to 48 hours.
