14-Year-Old Tests POSITIVE for Deadly Virus in Kerala! (Take These 5 Steps Now)

Kerala is on high alert after a 14-year-old boy tested positive for Nipah virus. Health officials are ramping up contact tracing and isolation measures to contain the outbreak. The government is urging residents to wear masks and report any Nipah symptoms.

CONTENTS: 14-Year-Old Tests POSITIVE for Deadly Virus in Kerala

• Kerala prepared for Nipah outbreak
• Kerala ramps up Nipah response
• Nipah case in Kerala, stay calm
• Kerala acts on Nipah case
• Kerala on alert for Nipah

Following the Nipah virus outbreak in Malappuram, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George assured that the state is fully prepared to address the situation. She reported that 214 individuals are on the primary contact list, with 60 categorized as high-risk, and all those on the list should undergo isolation. The Health Minister mentioned that after Nipah was confirmed in Malappuram, preventive efforts have been intensified. Robust measures have been in place since the morning.

The state is well-prepared, adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established by the government for Nipah control. Additionally, 25 committees have been formed, and contact tracing began on Saturday morning.

“There are 214 people on the primary contact list, with 60 identified as high-risk. Thirty isolation rooms have been set up at Manjeri Medical College, and additional isolation wards have been arranged at Kozhikode Medical College. A route map will be published,” she stated. The minister urged individuals who were present in those areas at the relevant times to contact the control room.

George also mentioned that all high-risk contacts would have their samples tested. The patient has been transferred to Kozhikode Medical College, and a 24-hour Nipah control room has been established. Those exhibiting Nipah symptoms, which can include fever, headache, seizures, cough, and breathing difficulties, should call the control room.

“If you have respiratory symptoms, you are more likely to spread the virus. With Nipah disease, symptoms may worsen over time, increasing the risk of transmission as the severity escalates,” she added. She emphasized that everyone in the district must wear a mask in public places and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Those on the contact list should remain isolated. If even one person in a household is on the contact list, they should avoid contact with others. There is no need to panic.

Previously, the Health Minister announced on Saturday that a 14-year-old boy had tested positive for the Nipah virus in Kerala’s Malappuram.

The meeting addressed measures to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure public safety. Officials reviewed the current situation and the steps taken so far to control the outbreak. Health Minister Veena George arrived in Malappuram to lead the containment efforts. The government has also formed committees to oversee the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Nipah virus control.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the Director of the National Health Mission, and the District Collectors of Malappuram and Kozhikode. George stated, “NIV Pune has confirmed that the suspected case of a 14-year-old boy is Nipah positive.

A contact list for the boy will be prepared, and samples from those in the high-risk category will be sent for testing. A meeting with the district collector and district police chief will be held to discuss restrictions within a 3 km radius of the epicenter. Residents of Malappuram should wear masks and remain vigilant.”

George also convened a high-level meeting on Saturday in Malappuram district following reports of a suspected Nipah virus case in the state.

According to officials, the samples from the suspected patient were sent to the virology lab in Pune. Last month, the Kerala Health Minister had announced that efforts to prevent Nipah would be ramped up in the state, especially during the critical period from May to September when the virus is most likely to spread.