Malappuram: Following the death of a 24-year-old man from Nipah, health authorities in Malappuram have intensified precautionary measures. Samples from 10 individuals showing symptoms similar to Nipah were collected from Manjeri Medical College Hospital and sent to the Kozhikode lab for analysis. The test results are expected by Monday evening.

Earlier, the health department prepared a contact list based on the man’s mobile location, identifying 151 people who were in close contact with him. Samples were taken from ten of those individuals after they began showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the district administration, led by District Collector V.R. Vinod, has declared Wards 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Thiruvali panchayat and Ward 7 of Mampad Panchayat as containment zones. As a precaution, schools, colleges, anganwadi centres, and tuition centres in these areas will remain closed. The collector has urged the public to wear masks and follow safety protocols.

The man, who had recently returned from Bengaluru, had initially been treated for jaundice two months ago. After recovering, he came back to his hometown last week due to a leg injury, later developing a fever and seeking treatment. He succumbed to the infection, which was later confirmed to be Nipah.