The Well being Division has initiated measures to hint and isolate those that got here into contact with the affected person, a businessman from Feroke. (file picture)
| Photograph Credit score: THULASI KAKKAT
Kerala is on excessive alert after the preliminary check of a 43-year-old man for Nipah virus an infection on the Authorities Medical School Hospital (MCH) in Kozhikode returned optimistic, officers stated on Thursday (June 11, 2026).
Officers stated samples have been despatched to the Nationwide Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for affirmation, and the outcomes are anticipated shortly.
The Well being Division has initiated measures to hint and isolate those that got here into contact with the affected person, a businessman from Feroke.
In accordance with well being officers, the person, who was initially admitted to a personal hospital, was shifted to the MCH on Wednesday and is on ventilator help.
Nipah virus is unfold by fruit bats, and Kerala has reported a number of outbreaks since 2018.
State Well being Minister Ok. Muraleedharan instructed reporters late on Wednesday night time that instructions had been issued to well being officers in Kozhikode to stay vigilant.
“The NIV result’s awaited for ultimate affirmation. Based mostly on the signs and preliminary check, it factors to Nipah,” he stated.
In depth contact checklist
Mr. Muraleedharan stated the affected person had come into contact with a lot of individuals.
“He first visited the outpatient part of a hospital. Later, he underwent MRI and echocardiography exams. We now have requested the well being staff involved and others who might have been uncovered to stay in quarantine,” the Minister stated.
He stated all obligatory preparations had been made on the Kozhikode MCH to deal with the scenario.
“There isn’t a want for panic at this stage. The affected person had lately rented a godown and cleaned it himself. We suspect he might have contracted the an infection throughout that course of,” Mr. Muraleedharan stated.
In accordance with the Minister, the affected person initially developed a fever that subsided, however later returned, prompting hospitalisation. “He’s engaged in a small-scale enterprise and had taken the godown on lease for that function,” he added.
Mr. Muraleedharan stated he would chair a gathering with well being officers on Thursday to evaluate the scenario.
He additionally stated efforts had been beneath technique to put together the affected person’s route map and determine all contacts, including that the contact checklist was in depth.
“Medicines can be found on the MCH. Additional selections will probably be taken after receiving the NIV check end result,” he stated.
Printed – June 11, 2026 10:16 am IST
