14-Year-Old Boy from Kerala Succumbs to Nipah Virus

A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala, died following a Nipah virus infection despite efforts to revive him. The state health minister announced the boy passed away after a massive cardiac arrest. Precautionary measures and isolation protocols are being implemented to prevent the outbreak from spreading.

A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala, died early Sunday due to a Nipah virus infection despite extensive medical efforts, state Health Minister Veena George confirmed. George reported that the boy suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10:50 a.m., and all revival attempts were unsuccessful, leading to his death at 11:30 a.m.

George mentioned that the funeral would adhere to international protocols, with details being discussed by the district Collector and the boy's family. Currently, three individuals remain under isolation at Kozhikode medical college, with four high-risk individuals admitted to Manjeri Medical College, one of whom is in the ICU.

The health department has launched fever surveillance across two panchayats, covering 33,000 houses. They are also monitoring 246 contacts of the boy, focusing on symptomatic individuals. Isolation facilities and volunteer support systems are in place to aid affected families. The Nipah virus has previously caused outbreaks in Kozhikode (2018, 2021, 2023) and Ernakulam (2019).