Kerala health authorities have issued a health alert across multiple northern districts after two individuals were identified with possible symptoms of Nipah virus infection.
The suspected cases were detected during routine testing at government medical colleges in Malappuram and Palakkad. As a precaution, alerts have also been extended to Kozhikode district.
Health Minister Veena George chaired an emergency meeting and confirmed that preventive measures have been intensified in line with the established Nipah protocol. Samples from the suspected patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation.
Twenty-six special teams have been deployed in each district to trace contacts, monitor symptoms, and spread public awareness. The health department is also coordinating with the police to locate anyone who may have been exposed.
“We are verifying whether any unexplained deaths occurred in recent weeks, as such incidents can be early warning signs of an outbreak,” George noted.
District collectors have been instructed to set up containment zones and issue public advisories to inform residents about precautionary steps. Helplines at the state and local levels are being activated to assist communities.
Kerala previously battled a Nipah outbreak in 2018 in Kozhikode and Malappuram, during which 23 cases were confirmed. Earlier outbreaks occurred in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007.
Officials will reconvene later today to review developments and ensure readiness to manage any potential spread.