Kozhikode: A 14-year-old Malappuram boy being treated for the Nipah virus at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital succumbed to the disease on Sunday. The child, who was on a ventilator, passed away at 11:30 am.
This tragic death adds to the grim tally of Nipah virus fatalities in Kerala. The state has witnessed multiple outbreaks since 2018, resulting in a significant number of deaths.
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2018
The first Nipah virus outbreak in South India was reported on 19 May 2018 in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. This outbreak resulted in 17 deaths and 18 confirmed cases across the Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. It was the third Nipah outbreak in India, following two earlier outbreaks in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007. A multi-disciplinary team led by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and supported by the WHO responded to the crisis.
2019
On 4 June 2019, a 23-year-old student in Kochi was diagnosed with the Nipah virus. Over 300 people were put under observation, but no further cases were reported. Later the student recovered, and no deaths were recorded in this outbreak.
2021
The 2021 outbreak began with the death of a 12-year-old boy in Pazhur, Kozhikode district, on 5 September. This marked Kerala's third Nipah virus outbreak, following the ones in 2018 and 2019. In response, the central government dispatched a team from NCDC to provide technical support to the state. The death of this 12-year-old was the only reported death during this outbreak.
2023
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported six laboratory-confirmed Nipah virus cases, including two deaths, in Kozhikode district between 12-15 September 2023. All confirmed cases during this year were males, aged between 9 and 45 years, and were confined to the Kozhikode district.
As the Nipah virus claims another life in Kerala this year, the state ramps up efforts to contain the outbreak. Malappuram collector has issued strict guidelines to minimise public gatherings, mandating masks in public places, schools, and during travel. Weddings, funerals, and other celebrations must be scaled down, with social distancing maintained in the district. Residents are warned against self-medication and consuming fallen or bitten fruits and vegetables. Anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, vomiting, or physical discomfort must seek medical attention immediately.
The public is urged to report any suspected cases to 0483-2732010 or 0483-2732050.
Published: 21 Jul 2024, 01:31 pm IST
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