Authorities in Kerala, southern India, are on high alert following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the deadly Nipah virus. With 60 people identified as high-risk, the state’s health minister is taking preventive measures to contain the outbreak. Kerala is at a high risk for Nipah virus outbreaks, as highlighted by a Reuters investigation.
Nipah, originating from fruit bats and animals like pigs, can cause a fatal brain-swelling fever in humans. Classified as a priority pathogen by WHO, there is currently no vaccine or cure for the virus.
State health minister, Veena George, confirmed the boy’s death from cardiac arrest and stated that 25 committees have been set up to identify and isolate affected individuals. Dr. Anoop Kumar from Aster MIMS Hospital reported a positive Nipah case in a school-going boy, with close contacts under observation.