Palakkad: A 32-year-old man in Palakkad has tested positive for the Nipah virus and is currently receiving treatment at the Palakkad Medical College hospital. His father, who recently passed away, was also confirmed to have been infected with Nipah.
The test results confirming the new case came out on Wednesday. The initial testing was conducted at a centre in Malappuram district, after which the samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further confirmation. Authorities are now awaiting the NIV’s final report.
This is the third confirmed Nipah case reported in Palakkad district. Earlier, a woman from Palakkad was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College hospital for treatment of the virus. At present, 374 people in the district are under constant medical observation due to possible exposure.
In response to the situation, officials have identified three village councils and four wards in the Mannarakad area as high-risk zones. Some of these areas have been designated containment zones to limit the virus’s spread. Strict measures have been put in place to monitor and control movement in these regions.
Health and police officials remain on high alert, working closely to ensure the safety of residents. Multiple teams of health workers are conducting door-to-door visits to check for symptoms and educate the public on preventive measures. The use of face masks has been made mandatory for patients, caregivers, and healthcare personnel in these zones.
As a precaution, the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Wayanad have also been placed on alert to prevent further outbreaks.
On Wednesday, tensions flared when a local resident became angry after being stopped by police officials enforcing containment protocols. The disagreement escalated into a brief brawl but was quickly resolved after intervention by others, restoring calm in the area.
Health authorities continue to stress the need for vigilance, early detection, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent further transmission of the Nipah virus, which is believed to be spread by fruit bats. The ongoing efforts aim to protect communities and prevent the virus from spreading further.
(With inputs from IANS)
