Following the death of an 18-year-old girl from Makkaraparamba suspected to be infected with the Nipah virus, authorities have declared 20 wards across four panchayats in Malappuram district as containment zones. The deceased had passed away at Meitra Hospital in Kozhikode on July 1.
Malappuram District Collector V R Vinod announced containment restrictions in wards 1–13 of Makkaraparamba panchayat, wards 11 and 15 of Kootilangadi, ward 14 of Mankada, and wards 2, 3, 5, and 6 of Kuruva panchayat. Public gatherings are banned in these areas. Shops, excluding pharmacies, are allowed to operate only between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and all educational institutions within these zones will remain shut.
The health department released the girl’s detailed route map, tracing her movements from June 23—when she developed fever and headache—until her death. On June 25 and 26, she visited Makkaraparamba mini clinic and was later taken to Malappuram cooperative hospital and Kottakkal MIMS. She was moved to the MICU on June 27 and then to Meitra Hospital in Kozhikode via mobile ICU on June 28. She passed away on July 1 and was buried at Makkaraparamba Juma Masjid the next day.
The public is urged to avoid gatherings, wear masks, and anyone who was present at locations visited by the girl during the stated times is asked to contact helpline numbers 0483-2735010 or 2735020.