In Kerala, the death of a 24 year old youth at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district a week ago, has been confirmed to being Nipah positive.

Samples from the body sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune confirmed that the death was caused by the dreaded virus. The samples tested at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, also returned positive Nipah result.

State Health Minister Veena George said 16 committees have been formed as per Nipah protocols and steps have been taken to contain the spread of the virus. 150 persons have been identified in the primary contact list of the youth. She said the deceased, a student in Bengaluru, had visited four hospitals and some persons who came in direct contact with him were identified and isolated.

This is the second Nipah fatality reported in the state this year. In July, a boy from Malappuram undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital had succumbed to the virus.