Second Nipah Virus Death in Kerala: 151 Under Observation Amid Growing Fears

A 24-year-old student in Kerala has died from the Nipah virus, local authorities reported on Monday, marking the second death from the virus in the state since July. The victim, who developed symptoms of fever on September 4 and succumbed to the virus five days later, was confirmed to be infected with Nipah following tests at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

Health officials are now closely monitoring 151 people who came into contact with the victim, who had traveled from Bengaluru to the town of Malappuram, where the death occurred. Five additional individuals showing early symptoms of the virus have had their blood samples sent for testing.

Nipah, a virus transmitted through fruit bats and animals such as pigs, is notorious for causing lethal brain-swelling fevers in humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a priority pathogen due to its high epidemic potential. With no available vaccine or cure, Kerala remains on high alert, particularly as it has become a hotspot for Nipah-related outbreaks since 2018, when the virus first appeared in the state.

In July, the virus claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy in the same district. As the health crisis deepens, public health authorities are urging caution and prevention efforts to contain the potential spread of the virus.