Indian officials have issued a warning following the death of a 14-year-old boy from Nipah virus infection in Kerala.
The virus, which can be transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, causes severe brain inflammation and fever.
The boy was receiving care in a Malappuram hospital and was on a ventilator when he suffered a heart attack around 10:50 AM local time on Sunday.
State Health Minister Veena George reported, “The boy was in an unconscious state. His urine output was very low. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest. Doctors tried their level best to save the boy but he unfortunately passed away.” The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the boy’s Nipah virus infection.
Nipah is a “priority pathogen” for the World Health Organization due to its potential to cause epidemics. There is currently no vaccine or cure for the virus. Since its initial appearance in Kerala in 2018, Nipah has been responsible for numerous fatalities in the state. It was first identified in Malaysia 25 years ago and has caused outbreaks in Bangladesh, India, and Singapore.
Symptoms of Nipah include high fever, vomiting, respiratory issues, and, in severe cases, brain inflammation and seizures leading to coma.
The boy’s funeral will follow international protocols for virus outbreaks, with discussions ongoing with the family to finalize arrangements, according to Minister George.
The Kerala government has established 25 committees to identify and isolate those who may be affected.
“Contact tracing has begun. High-risk contacts have been isolated and their samples have been sent for testing,” Ms. George stated.
Currently, three individuals are isolated at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, and four at Manjeri Government Medical College Hospital, with one in intensive care. Results from their tests are awaited.
In Malappuram, 246 people are listed as contacts of the infected, with 63 categorized as high-risk.
A mobile testing lab from the National Institute of Virology, Pune, will be arriving in the district today.
Authorities are advising residents in the affected area to wear masks and avoid hospitals, as well as to avoid consuming fruits that are half-eaten or have been bitten by animals.
Restrictions will be enforced within a three-kilometer radius from the Pandikkad locality’s epicenter, and people are advised to thoroughly wash fruits and avoid open-container beverages like toddy.
