Second Nipah-Virus Related Death Reported In Kerala; Contact Tracing Underway

Kerala’s Palakkad district reported a second Nipah virus death on July 12. The 58-year-old man was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the northern district. The government has now ramped up contact tracing and field-level surveillance in the area.

Second Nipah Virus-Related Death In Kerala

Kerala is facing a Nipah virus outbreak, which has a very high mortality rate. The virus primarily spreads through contact with infected bats and pigs. Symptoms can range from fever, headache, cough and sore throat to severe ones like drowsiness, seizures and confusion. As per a report by HT, Palakkad district has now confirmed its second Nipah-related death case. A 58-year-old man tested positive for the virus after he died in a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. It should also be noted that, on July 1, a 17-year-old student from Malappuram’s Makkaraparamba died of Nipah at a private hospital in Kozhikode, according to The News Minute. 

This latest death has prompted authorities to issue an alert across hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur. According to the report, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George also stated that a contact list has been prepared. The man’s samples tested positive at Manjeri Medical College.

Also Read: 400+ People In Nipah Virus Contact List In Kerala; Causes, Symptoms & Precautions To Keep In Mind

Contact Tracing and Surveillance Intensified

Contact tracing has begun to identify people who were in touch with the deceased. Around 46 people are currently on the contact list. CCTV footage and a family tree have also been prepared, as per HT. Field-level activity has been intensified, and surveillance in the area has increased. Monitoring is also underway, and authorities remain on alert for more Nipah Virus cases. Furthermore, as per HT, Veena George has urged people to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals and to not visit friends or relatives undergoing treatment.

There are now 543 people on the Nipah virus contact list. Out of them, 46 were in contact with this recent case. District-wise, there are 208 people in Malappuram, 219 in Palakkad, 114 in Kozhikode and 2 in Ernakulam. Currently, 10 people are under treatment. Two are in the ICU, and one person is in isolation. A total of 36 people are in the highest risk category, and 128 are in the high-risk group.

Also Related: 14-YO In Kerala Tests Positive For Nipah Virus; Here’s All You Need To Know About The Virus & Its Spread

People are being urged to wear masks and stay cautious across the state. Additionally, health officials are advising them to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. 

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