Malappuram

The teenager who died in the southern Indian state of Kerala due to the Nipah virus had eaten a contaminated hog plum fruit from his neighbourhood where the presence of fruit bats has been confirmed, said Health Minister Veena George on Monday (Jul 22). 

Advertisment

Fruit bats are known for being the reservoir of the zoonotic virus and the 14-year-old boy from Malappuram developed fever after he consumed the hog plum fruit, locally known as ambazhanga. 

“We have confirmed the presence of fruit bats in that region. Prima facie analysis indicates that this could be the source of infection," said George.

"Further examination is required to confirm this. A team of experts from National Virology Institute-Pune will reach Malappuram on Monday to study the fruit bats in the region,” she added. 

Advertisment

A previous analysis had found that the strain of the virus found in the teen was similar to the strain found in the body of fruit bats. Notably, this is not the first time that Kerala has reported Nipah virus cases. In 2018 and 2023, cases were reported in the eastern hilly region of Kozhikode.

The Kerala Health Department has opened a control room in Malappuram, and the district has been put on high alert. A lockdown has been imposed in the village of the infected boy, and people in the area have been told to wear masks.

Also read: Kerala man goes to govt hospital for check-up, remains stuck in elevator for two days

Advertisment

Central govt issues advisory

Meanwhile, the central government on Sunday asked the Kerala government to implement four immediate public health measures to control the spread of the Nipah virus. 

The union government has advised the state to implement public health measures, such as active contact tracing over the past 12 days, strict quarantine of contacts associated with the case, and isolation of any suspected cases.

Watch: India: Brain-eating amoeba kills 3 in Kerala

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans. Discovered in 1998-99 in Malaysia's Nipah village, the initial outbreaks were reported among pig farmers and those who came in close contact with pigs. 

The initial symptoms include or resemble those of influenza, fever, muscle pain and sore throat. However, in severe cases, inflammation of the brain may develop, along with respiratory issues. 

(With inputs from agencies)