425 Under Watch As Kerala Launches Surveillance Amid Fresh Nipah Outbreak

Kerala has placed 425 individuals under surveillance across multiple districts following a fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus, State Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Saturday.

According to NDTV, the highest number of contacts 228 individuals has been traced in Malappuram, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode.

The state government has launched intensive contact tracing and containment operations, with route maps of confirmed cases in Palakkad and Malappuram released to aid public awareness. Although one individual on the contact list has tested negative, authorities remain on high alert.

As cited by PTI, In Malappuram, a coordinated surveillance campaign is underway across 20 wards in the panchayats of Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada. A total of 65 health teams have conducted door-to-door visits in 1,655 households, providing information and identifying possible contacts. The field operations are led by Dr. N.N. Pameela, with support from C.K. Suresh Kumar, M. Shahul Hameed, and epidemiologist Dr. Kiran Raj. A comprehensive report has been submitted to District Medical Officer Dr. Renuka.

In Palakkad, one person remains in isolation, and 61 healthcare workers have been identified as close contacts. The Health Department has opted to isolate contacts locally, while samples are sent for testing. This move is intended to reduce unnecessary travel and exposure.

In Kozhikode, all 87 individuals on the contact list are healthcare professionals who may have been exposed during clinical care and response efforts. The district has stepped up fever surveillance, and ambulance service including the Kaniv 108 fleet are on standby.

According to The hindu, Minister George emphasised the need to provide psychological support to individuals under observation. “This is not just a clinical issue but a community concern. Mental well-being is critical in our containment strategy,” she stated during a high-level review meeting convened in the district.

The meeting included senior officials such as the Additional Chief Secretary (Health), NHM State Mission Director, Director of Medical Education, District Collectors, police officers, and representatives from multiple departments.

Efforts are also underway to trace the origin of the outbreak. As in previous outbreaks, fruit bats (flying foxes) are suspected to be the primary carriers of the virus. Kerala’s forest and animal husbandry departments have been roped in to assist in tracking bat colonies and analysing fruit samples for possible contamination.