Karnataka Issues Nipah Virus Travel Advisory for Malappuram, Kerala

The Karnataka government has advised its residents to avoid traveling to Malappuram, Kerala, following the death of a 14-year-old boy from Nipah virus. Although human-to-human transmission is currently considered low, precautionary measures are recommended. No Nipah cases have been reported in Karnataka. The virus is commonly carried by fruit bats.

The Karnataka government on Thursday issued an advisory asking residents to avoid traveling to Malappuram in Kerala after a 14-year-old boy died of Nipah virus on July 21.

The Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare stated that despite the presence of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, a symptom of Nipah, further high-risk contacts tested negative, reducing the likelihood of human-to-human transmission. There is no need to panic at this time.

As a preventative measure, travel to affected areas should be minimized unless absolutely essential until the region is declared safe from Nipah virus infection, the Commissionerate advised.

No Nipah cases have been reported in Karnataka to date. The state is taking necessary steps to prevent cross-border transmission from Kerala since the outbreak.

Fruit bats, the usual carriers of Nipah, can infect humans through contaminated fruit or saliva.