Nipah scare in Malappuram: 214 people, who came in contact with infected boy, under observation

MALAPPURAM: As a 14-year-old boy from Perinthalmanna in Malappuram has been confirmed with the deadly Nipah virus, precautionary measures have been imposed in Anakkayam and Pandikkad panchayats. Currently, 214 people are under observation, including 60 in the high-risk category.

The boy's father, mother, and uncle have been quarantined, along with doctors and nurses who treated him earlier. Another child, a close friend of the infected boy, has also been placed under observation with a fever, and a sample has been sent for testing. The health department has mandated the use of masks for everyone in Malappuram district and advised against crowding in Anakkayam and Pandikkad panchayats.

Shops are allowed to operate only from 10 am to 5 pm. Health Minister Veena George has also suggested avoiding crowds for pre-arranged events.

The boy was admitted to various hospitals before being transferred to a private hospital in Kozhikode, where the disease was confirmed. He has now been shifted to Kozhikode Medical College. 30 isolation rooms have been set up in Manjeri Medical College along with a 6-bed ICU to battle Nipah.

The control cell has started functioning, and 25 committees have been formed in the district as per the government's SOP to control Nipah. Monoclonal antibody required for treatment has been sent from Pune Virology Lab and will reach Kerala on Sunday morning. The health minister has instructed KMSCL to supply necessary medicines, masks, PPE kits, and test kits.

Control cell number: 0483-2732010