KOZHIKODE: The state health department has stepped up surveillance and containment preparedness in Kozhikode district after the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed Nipah virus infection in a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara. This is the 11th episode of Nipah infection reported in Kerala since the outbreak was first detected in the state in 2018.
The patient, a resident of the fifth division of Ramanattukara municipality, has been admitted to a specially arranged Nipah isolation facility at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, and he remains in critical condition. Doctors said the patient is on ventilator support and is being monitored continuously by a team of specialists.
He was shifted to the hospital after testing positive in a preliminary examination conducted at the MCH’s Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL). Following confirmation from NIV Pune, health authorities have begun extensive contact tracing, with the district administration identifying 77 people who had possible exposure to the infected person. The contacts have been categorised based on the level of risk.
District Collector M S Madhavikutty said none of the identified contacts are currently showing symptoms, and there is no immediate need to declare a containment zone.
She said among the 77 contacts identified, 15 have been classified as priority. Of these, two are in the highest-risk category and 13 are in the high-risk category. The remaining 58 contacts are healthcare workers.
Efforts on to prepare detailed route map of Nipah patient
The patient’s immediate family members, including his wife, two children, father and mother, have been placed under quarantine.
A maternal relative who had visited the family after learning about his illness has also been included in the surveillance list.
Two staff members of a private hospital in Kozhikode who had interacted with the patient during his earlier treatment have also been advised to remain in quarantine.
Samples from five primary contacts have been sent for testing at the VRDL laboratory.
Health Minister K Muraleedharan said the present situation does not require the declaration of a containment zone in Ramanattukara.
“The 15 priority contacts have been advised to remain in quarantine. A rapid response team meeting was held to ensure the availability of PPE kits and gloves. There is no shortage of medicines, and additional supplies will arrive from Chennai,” the minister said.
As part of the emergency response, the Kerala Health Research and Welfare Society (KHRWS) pay ward section at the Kozhikode MCH has been converted into a dedicated isolation facility for Nipah management.
According to health officials, the patient developed high fever about a week ago and was later hospitalised with symptoms indicating possible encephalitis.
As his health condition worsened, detailed investigations were carried out, eventually leading to the detection of Nipah infection, the officials said.
Preliminary information to identify the possible source of infection suggests that the patient may have been exposed while cleaning an old godown at Puthukad in Malappuram district, reportedly linked to his soap manufacturing business.
Health officials are also examining another possible source of exposure — a chiku tree located on the premises of the infected person’s house. Officials said presence of bats and bird droppings were noticed at the location.
Authorities are also preparing a detailed route map of the patient based on information collected from family members and other contacts.
The collector urged people to remain cautious and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms. “Anyone developing fever should voluntarily isolate themselves, wear a mask and avoid close contact with others. However, making masks compulsory for the public is not being considered at present, as the situation does not require such a measure,” Madhavikutty said.
District Medical Officer-in-charge V P Rajesh said the health machinery has moved into an alert mode and monitoring of all contacts is being carried out on priority. “Every person linked to the case is being monitored closely. Those identified in the contact list have been instructed to remain in quarantine, and testing of high-risk contacts is under way. The situation is being reviewed continuously,” he said. The District Medical Office has opened helplines (0495 2373901 and 9072007767) to address public concerns.
