Kozhikode: Kerala Health Minister Veena George revealed that 9 samples, including those of the deceased 14-year-old's parents, returned negative for the Nipah virus on Monday. Presently, 15 individuals with symptoms are under observation, while 406 contacts and 194 high-risk individuals, including 139 health workers, are being monitored closely. 

Veena George confirmed that the virus detected this time matches the strain previously found in bats during the 2023 Nipah outbreak. A survey across 7,239 households in Anakayam and Pandikkad panchayats in Malappuram district revealed 439 cases of fever, with four individuals having had contact with the deceased 14-year-old child.

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The boy from Malappuram who was under treatment here for Nipah infection died on Sunday morning.

Minister George said that counselling will be given to the friends of the deceased child to help them cope with his loss, and that their classes will be held online.

The department has released a detailed route map of the boy's movements and has asked the people who are suspected to have come into contact with him to contact the health department and seek treatment.