1. A 14-year-old boy in Kerala died on Sunday, one day after testing positive for the Nipah virus.
2. The boy, from Malappuram district, was diagnosed with the Nipah virus on Saturday.
3. Health Minister Veena George confirmed the death, citing cardiac arrest despite ventilator support.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 21: A 14-year-old boy in Kerala died on Sunday, just one day after testing positive for the Nipah virus, according to the state’s Health Minister, Veena George.
The boy, from Malappuram district, had been diagnosed with the virus on Saturday. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10:50 AM and could not be revived despite being on ventilator support. He passed away at 11:30 AM.
The boy’s last rites will follow medical protocols, George stated. Four individuals currently in the “high-risk category” are receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College.
Also Read: Manipur: Bomb Blast Hits Residence of Salai Holdings Director in Imphal West
Pandikkad in the Malappuram district is identified as the current epicentre of the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.
In response, Health Minister George advised residents and hospital visitors in the area to wear masks and avoid visiting patients.
The public is also urged to avoid consuming half-eaten or bird-bitten fruits and to ensure fruits are thoroughly washed.
The consumption of open-container beverages like toddy is discouraged.
The state government is preparing a special action plan to prevent further outbreaks. Past Nipah virus outbreaks occurred in Kozhikode (2018, 2021, 2023) and Ernakulam (2019), with Nipah virus antibodies previously detected in bats across several districts.
