Kerala reports 2 deaths due to Nipah virus, Centre sends team for assistance

Two people have reportedly died due to Nipah virus in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed on Tuesday. The confirmation from the minister comes hours after a district-wide health alert was issued yesterday after two “unnatural” deaths were reported from a private hospital, sending health officials into a tizzy.

“A central team has been sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the state government in Nipah virus management,” Mandaviya said.

The first death took place on August 30 and the second death on Monday, according to news agency PTI.

The Kerala government has set up a control room in Kozhikode and advised people to use masks as a precautionary measure.

Earlier in the day, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan advised people to exercise caution and said there was no reason to worry as those who were in close contact with the victims were under treatment.

“There is nothing to worry about. Those who were in contact with the two are being traced and treated. Being careful is the key to tackling the situation. Everyone is requested to cooperate with the action plan prepared by the health department,” the Chief Minister said.

Earlier in 2018, there was a Nipah virus outbreak in both Kozhikode and Malappuram districts and later in 2021, a case of Nipah virus was reported in Kozhikode.

Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals, according to the World Health Organisation or WHO. Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea.