Kerala has reported a new case of the deadly Nipah virus, with a 40-year-old woman from Nattukal in Palakkad district testing positive in preliminary lab tests conducted at Kozhikode Medical College. Health authorities have sent her samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmatory testing. The woman is currently on a ventilator and in critical condition at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram.

According to health officials, the woman first developed fever on June 26 and visited multiple health centres before being admitted to the hospital on July 1. Following the confirmation of the virus in the preliminary tests, authorities have intensified contact tracing, identifying over 100 primary and secondary contacts. Local administrations have declared containment zones in parts of Thachanattukara and Karinkallathani panchayats in Palakkad.

In a parallel development, a second suspected case has emerged in Malappuram district. An 18-year-old girl from Mankada who died on July 1 after being declared brain dead also tested positive in a preliminary Nipah test. Her samples too have been sent to NIV Pune for confirmation. Health officials have quarantined the medical staff who conducted her autopsy and are currently tracing her contacts to prevent further spread.

The health department has issued alerts in Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, urging the public to follow safety protocols including the use of face masks, proper hygiene, and avoidance of consuming raw fruits that could be contaminated by bats. Surveillance has been strengthened, and isolation wards have been prepared in affected districts.

Kerala has previously faced multiple Nipah outbreaks since 2018, with high fatality rates and limited treatment options. The virus, which is believed to be transmitted from fruit bats to humans, causes severe respiratory and neurological symptoms. The health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have stated that the next 48 hours will be critical in determining the extent of the outbreak.

Officials expect final confirmation of both cases from NIV Pune by the end of the week. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any symptoms such as fever, headache, or respiratory distress to nearby health centres immediately.