Kerala govt confirms death of 14-yr old boy infected with Nipah virus

Nipah outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019

The 14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram, who was undergoing treatment for Nipah infection, died on July 21, state Health Minister Veena George said.

George said the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10.50 am on Sunday and efforts to revive him failed.

"He was on ventilator support. The urine output had reduced this morning. After a massive cardiac arrest, the revival efforts failed and he passed away at 11.30 am," George said.

"Further matters on the funeral will be decided only after the district Collector holds discussion with the boy's parents and the family," George said.

George on July 20 said that the epicentre of the disease was Pandikkad and that precautionary measures have already been put in place. People residing near the epicentre and the nearby hospitals have been directed to wear masks in public spaces and avoid visiting patients in hospitals.

“A contact list of the boys will be prepared and the samples of those in a high-risk category will be sent for testing. A meeting will be held with the district collector and district police chief to discuss the restrictions to be imposed in the 3 km radius of the epicentre. Residents of Malappuram should wear masks compulsory and remain cautious,” George added.

The Kerala government had announced recently that a special action calendar was being prepared for the prevention of Nipah outbreak.

Nipah outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019, and the presence of Nipah virus antibodies had been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts.