Nipah resurfaces in Kerala? 17-year-old girl, who died suspected of contracting virus

KOZHIKODE: Nipah virus has been confirmed once again in Kerala, sending fresh waves of concern across the state. The 17-year-old girl of Malappuram Mankada, who died is suspected to have contracted the virus. The initial Nipah test result conducted at the Kozhikode Medical College has turned positive. The samples have been sent to the virology lab in Pune to confirm the disease.

The girl, who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kottakal, was shifted to the Kozhikode Medical College after her health condition turned worsened on June 28. The girl died on July 1st.

The girl's family and the doctors who treated her have been quarantined. The girl had fever earlier. Nipah was tested at the virology lab of the medical college on suspicion. This result was positive.

Meantime, a 38-year-old woman of Nattukal at Mannarkkad in Palakkad, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna with Nipah symptoms. Her condition is critical. The woman was found to be infected with the disease in the initial examination conducted at Kozhikode Medical College. The swab taken from the woman has been sent to the Pune Virology Lab for confirmation of the disease.

It is not clear from where she contracted the disease. She had sought treatment on July 1 after developing fever and breathlessness. The health department authorities are preparing a contact list of the woman. The people involved will also be monitored.