Kozhikode: Kerala health authorities have stepped up surveillance and precautionary measures after the preliminary test of a 43-year-old man from Kozhikode reportedly returned positive for Nipah virus infection, according to reports.
Officials said the patient's samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for confirmatory testing, and the final results are awaited.
The Health Department has already begun contact tracing and isolation measures for individuals who may have come into contact with the patient, a businessman from Feroke in Kozhikode district.
According to reports, the man was initially admitted to a private hospital before being shifted to the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, on Wednesday. He is currently on ventilator support.
Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted by fruit bats, has caused multiple outbreaks in Kerala since 2018, prompting authorities to remain vigilant whenever suspected cases emerge.
Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan said health officials in Kozhikode have been directed to maintain a high level of alertness while awaiting the final test results from NIV Pune.
"The NIV report is awaited for confirmation. However, based on the patient's symptoms and preliminary test findings, there is a suspicion of Nipah infection," the minister said.
Authorities are particularly concerned as the patient is believed to have come into contact with a significant number of people before being hospitalised.
Reports indicate that the man had visited a hospital's outpatient department and subsequently underwent MRI and echocardiography investigations. Health officials have advised healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed to remain under quarantine and observation.
The state government has also ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place at Kozhikode Medical College to manage the situation if required.
While urging the public not to panic, the minister said there is currently no cause for alarm. Preliminary investigations suggest the patient may have been exposed to the virus while cleaning a recently rented godown that he intended to use for his small-scale business operations.
According to health officials, the man initially developed a fever that later subsided but subsequently returned, leading to his hospitalisation and further medical evaluation.
Authorities are now working to prepare a detailed route map of the patient's movements and identify all potential contacts. Officials indicated that the contact list is extensive and tracing efforts are ongoing.
The Health Department has also confirmed that required medicines and medical resources are available at the Government Medical College. Further action will be decided after the confirmatory test results from NIV Pune are received.