425 Under Surveillance As Kerala Battles Fresh Nipah Virus 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 a news report, 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.

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.