14-year-old who died of Nipah may have eaten fruit from bat-infested area: Health Minister

Malappuram: Health Minister Veena George provided updates regarding the Nipah virus outbreak, revealing that the cause might be linked to the consumption of Indian hog plum (ambazhanga), based on new findings related to the virus variant.

Minister George said that the tragic death of a 14-year-old might be associated with plucking a hog plum while bathing in the countryside with friends. The fruit may have been contaminated by bats, known to inhabit the area. Despite efforts to gather information from family and friends, the exact source of the infection remains unclear, pending further investigation, said the Minister.

Addressing public concerns, Minister George reassured the people and stressed the importance of early reporting of symptoms to prevent additional cases. She stressed the need for strict adherence to isolation protocols and mask-wearing and also foregrounded individual responsibility in containing the spread, rather than isolating entire districts. She cautioned against actions that could disturb bat habitats, potentially increasing viral release.

Fluid tests for Nipah, conducted on eleven individuals, including close contacts from Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram, returned negative results. Currently, 406 people are under observation, with 194 classified as high-risk, including 139 healthcare workers. Fifteen individuals are hospitalised, while those with negative test results and resolved symptoms are planned for discharge, adhering to isolation guidelines.

Minister Veena George confirmed that the Nipah virus variant identified in 2023 aligns with the strain responsible for the current outbreak. In response, extensive preventive measures are underway, with health department teams already visiting over 6,600 households in Pandikkad and Anakkayam gram panchayats. Fever cases have been identified, with further testing and monitoring ongoing.

The Minister also announced the arrival of expert teams from Pune's National Institute of Virology and Bhopal's Central Animal Welfare Department. Their tasks include bat sampling, genomic surveys, and habitat mapping in cooperation with the forest department.

Minister Veena George outlined plans for a mobile laboratory from the National Institute of Virology to increase testing capabilities, commencing operations imminently at Manjeri Medical College. This development is expected to speed up diagnostic efforts and strengthen response measures.