Kerala health authorities have stepped up surveillance measures after a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode tested positive in a preliminary screening for Nipah virus infection. The patient, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Kozhikode, remains in critical condition while officials await confirmatory test results from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
According to health officials, the man was initially admitted to a private hospital after developing symptoms consistent with encephalitis. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital late on Wednesday night. Authorities have established a dedicated isolation ward for his treatment and are closely monitoring his health status. Sources indicated that the patient is currently on ventilator support.
Health Department Launches Contact Tracing
The Kerala Health Department has begun an extensive contact-tracing operation after learning that the patient had interacted with numerous individuals before his hospitalization. Officials are preparing a detailed route map to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said the patient had visited multiple healthcare facilities before being admitted to the medical college hospital. He reportedly attended the outpatient department of a private hospital, underwent MRI scanning, and later had an echocardiogram test. As a precaution, hospital staff who may have come into contact with him have been advised to remain in quarantine.
Possible Exposure to Fruit Bats Under Investigation
The Health Minister noted that the patient is a small-scale businessman who had recently rented a godown and personally cleaned the premises. Authorities are investigating whether the location may have been frequented by fruit bats, which are known natural carriers of the Nipah virus.
According to officials, the patient had earlier recovered from a fever before developing symptoms again, eventually leading to hospitalization. Investigators are examining all possible sources of infection while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
Government Reviews Preparedness Measures
A high-level review meeting involving senior health officials, including the Director of Medical Education and the Director of Health Services, was scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram to assess the situation and coordinate response measures.
Restrictions have also been imposed around the isolation ward at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital to minimize unnecessary movement and ensure strict infection-control protocols.
Kozhikode’s Previous Nipah Outbreaks
Kozhikode has experienced multiple Nipah-related incidents in recent years, including major outbreaks in 2018 and 2023, as well as a spillover case in 2021. These previous incidents have helped the state develop rapid-response mechanisms for managing suspected Nipah infections.
Officials have urged the public to remain calm while following health advisories. The final confirmation from NIV Pune is expected to determine whether the current case is indeed a Nipah virus infection.
