The patient, a housewife with no recent travel history outside Kerala, is currently in stable condition. Authorities have not yet released a route map or details of her contacts
Published Jul 03, 2025 | 11:44 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2025 | 11:44 PM
Suspected nipah virus case reported in Palakkad; samples sent for confirmation
Synopsis: A 38-year-old woman from Nattukal, Palakkad, has been hospitalised in Perinthalmanna with suspected Nipah virus symptoms, prompting concern among health officials. Preliminary tests suggest a possible infection, and samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, for confirmation. Panchayat President Muhammed Saleem stated that a formal diagnosis will follow only after lab results are received
A 38-year-old woman from Nattukal in Palakkad district has been admitted to Moulana Hospital in Perinthalmanna with symptoms resembling Nipah virus infection, triggering concern among local health authorities.
Preliminary tests have indicated a possible Nipah infection, and her samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.
Speaking to South First, Nattukal Panchayat President Muhammed Saleem confirmed that while the sample has been sent, an official declaration can only be made after lab results are received.
“As per the Health Department’s protocol, we can confirm it only after the lab results. However, the patient is currently showing symptoms of Nipah and is under treatment,” he said.
The patient, a housewife with no recent travel history outside the state or abroad, is reported to be in stable condition. So far, no route map has been released, and the Palakkad District Collector has not convened any official review meeting.
However, local authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and step up precautionary measures.
This comes just weeks after a confirmed case of Nipah virus was reported in May, when a 42-year-old woman from Valanchery in Malappuram district tested positive.
In response, the Kerala government had swiftly launched containment operations, activating 25 rapid response teams to oversee surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness efforts.
All contacts in both high-risk and low-risk categories were monitored for 21 days, while hospitals were instructed to implement strict infection control protocols.
Availability of essential medicines was also ensured across districts.
Health Minister Veena George, addressing concerns during the previous outbreak, had urged the public to stay vigilant, wear masks, use hand sanitisers, and avoid non-essential hospital visits.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
