Officials said fever screening and travel history checks have been in place since that night to prevent any possible spread of the infection from Palakkad into Tamil Nadu.
Published Jul 16, 2025 | 10:43 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2025 | 10:43 AM
Nipah confirmed in Kerala.
Synopsis: The Health Department of neighbouring Tamil Nadu began intensive screening at major interstate check‑posts in Coimbatore district after the confirmationtion of Nipah virus cas in neighbouring Kerala.
Following the confirmation of Nipah virus cases in the Palakkad district of Kerala, the Health Department of neighbouring Tamil Nadu began intensive screening at major interstate check‑posts in Coimbatore district from the night of Tuesday, 15 July.
Officials said fever screening and travel history checks have been in place since that night to prevent any possible spread of the infection from Palakkad into Tamil Nadu.
The National Institute of Virology Pune confirmed the second Nipah virus case in Palakkad on Monday; a 58-year-old man, who succumbed to the virus on 12 July at Manjeri Medical College Hospital in the Malappuram district. He was undergoing treatment for fever-related symptoms, and his initial test results came positive on 13 July.
Kerala health department officials collected CCTV footage and prepared a route map and a family tree based on the information gathered.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu deployed special medical teams from Monday night at busy entry points including Walayar, Gopalapuram and Anaikatty, and the screening is being carried out round the clock.
Travellers showing symptoms such as fever or severe headache are being isolated immediately and referred to government hospitals for further tests. Field staff have been directed to stay alert and report suspected cases without delay.
Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with these precautionary checks and to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms after travelling from affected areas. They stressed that these steps are aimed at ensuring that the Nipah virus does not enter Tamil Nadu.
Coimbatore District Health Officer P Balusamy said commuters are being screened at six key check‑posts: Gopalapuram in Pollachi North, Veerappagoundanur in Kinathukadavu, Walayar in Madukkarai, Anaikatti in Periyanaickenpalayam, Pattisalai in Karamadai, and Meenachipuram in Anamalai.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Veni EN.)
