• Source:JND
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Nipah Virus Outbreak: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed the death of a 14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram, who tested positive for Nipah and was undergoing treatment in Kozhikode for the infection. The Kerala Health Minister said the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10.50 am on Sunday, and all efforts by doctors to revive him failed.

“He was on ventilator support. The urine output had reduced this morning. After a massive cardiac arrest, the revival efforts failed and he passed away at 11.30 am," said Veena George, as quoted by news agency PTI. The health minister further said the boy's funeral will be held following international protocols.

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"Further matters on the funeral will be decided only after the district Collector discusses with the boy's parents and the family," Veena George said.

Earlier on Saturday, Veena George also convened a high-level meeting in the Malappuram district after reports of a suspected case of the 'Nipah' virus in the state. During the meeting, the officials reviewed the current situation and the steps taken so far to control the outbreak.

“A three-km radius from the epicentre at Pandikkad will be strictly observed and restrictions will be imposed," George said. “A 24-hour control room with a call centre has been opened at Malappuram,” she added.

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What Is Nipah Virus?

The Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness transferred from animals such as fruit bats and pigs to people. Nipah usually spreads to humans from animals or through contaminated food, but it can also be transmitted directly between people.

The symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, vomiting, and respiratory infection and serious infection may cause brain inflammation, resulting in coma. Till now, there is no vaccine to cure this virus. In the wake of the virus, the state health department has established 30 isolation rooms and a six-bed ICU at the Manjeri Medical College. It has isolated all those who had come into contact with the 14-year-old boy.

Nipah fatality rate is estimated around 40-75 per cent. However, this rate can vary by outbreak, depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.