Palakkad: Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that a contact list has been prepared after a 58-year-old man who died at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna tested positive for the Nipah virus. The infection was detected through tests conducted at Manjeri Medical College Hospital. Until now, 46 people who were in contact with the deceased have been identified. A route map of the patient has also been prepared, and fever surveillance in the area is ongoing.

Further action will be taken once confirmation is received from the Virology Institute in Pune. In light of this new case, the Health Minister has directed that disease control operations in the district be intensified. One person is currently under isolation and receiving treatment.

Body cremated following protocol

Mannarkad: The body of the 58-year-old man was cremated as per the mandated protocols at Mannarkkad. He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna for fever and severe breathing difficulties. Initial tests at Manjeri Medical College confirmed the presence of the virus, and samples have been sent to the Virology Lab in Pune for further analysis.

A week ago, the patient had sought treatment at two private hospitals in Mannarkkad. Due to severe respiratory distress, he was shifted to the private hospital in Perinthalmanna on Friday evening, where he was admitted to a specially equipped critical care unit. The cremation took place on Sunday afternoon in the presence of close relatives and healthcare workers.

Preventive steps intensified

Following the preliminary confirmation, the health department has launched preventive measures in Kumaramputhur Panchayat. People who had direct contact with the patient have been instructed to remain under observation. Doctors and healthcare workers who treated him have also been asked to quarantine themselves.

The source of the infection remains unclear. To control the spread of the disease, joint meetings will be held under the leadership of the panchayat and the health department, involving the police, forest department, veterinary services, revenue officials, fire force, Rapid Response Team (RRT), and representatives of political parties. A mega fever survey will be conducted in the area on Monday.

New containment zones declared

In the light of confirmed case, new containment zones have been declared in Palakkad district. The following areas have been designated as highly infected:

• Kumaramputhur Panchayat: Wards 8 (Chakkarakulambu), 9 (Changaleeri), 10 (Mothikkal), 11 (Njettarakadavu), 12 (Vadanamkurussi), 13 (Kulappadam), 14 (Ozhukupara)

• Karakurissi Panchayat: Wards 14 (Thonipadam), 15 (Srambikkal), 16 (Velungode)

• Mannarkkad Municipality: Wards 25 (Kanjirampadam), 26 (Govindapuram), 27 (Onnam Mile), 28 (Kanjiram)

• Karimpuzha Panchayat: Wards 4 (Kavunda), 6 (Ambalapadam), 7 (Pombra)

Hospitals on high alert

The Health Minister has issued an alert to all hospitals to exercise heightened vigilance, given that this is the second confirmed Nipah case in the Palakkad district. Hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur districts have been specifically advised to report any cases with Nipah-like symptoms, including fever with signs of brain inflammation.

38- year-old women in critical condition

Meanwhile, the health condition of a 38-year-old woman hailing from Palakkad, who is being treated at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, remains critical. She is on a ventilator after developing internal bleeding. However, hospital authorities have reported that the bleeding has subsided following medication, and two doses of antibody treatment have been administered so far.