Samples sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune have confirmed three Nipah virus cases in Kerala's Kozhikode district. 

A person who died on the 30th of last month was also infected by the virus. Samples of a person who died last Monday, and that of two others, sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune were confirmed positive. These include a nine-year-old boy, who is critically ill and is on life support system.

Akashvani Correspondent reports, this is the third time that the zoonotic virus is being reported in Kozhikode. The State Health Department swung into action immediately after the unusual deaths were reported.

16 teams were formed to deal with the situation and health workers were asked to follow infection control protocols laid down in 2021. Some wards in seven village panchayats have been declared as containment zones.

The health authorities have identified 168 persons who were in contact with the infected persons and have intensified contact tracing with the help of the police.  

State Health Minister Veena George told media persons yesterday that three teams dispatched by the union government will be reaching Kozhikode today.

Meanwhile,  authorities have asked public to wear masks and refrain from visiting hospitals except in unavoidable circumstances. Besides Kozhikode, neighbouring districts of Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur were also asked to remain alert.    

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that a central team of experts has been sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the State government in the management of the virus infection.