Sixth Nipah Case Reported in Kerala, Fear Lingers in Kozhikode
A fresh case of Nipah virus in Kerala has been confirmed in Kozhikode district, Kerala — the sixth reported within a year. Locals woke up to the news early Sunday as health department teams began arriving in the area.
The infected person, a 27-year-old male, was brought to Kozhikode Medical College two days ago with high fever, vomiting, and confusion. Doctors had suspected a possible Nipah infection and isolated him immediately. Late Saturday night, lab results confirmed it.
By Sunday morning, small groups of people stood outside hospitals, curious and worried. One tea stall near the hospital had only three customers the whole morning — unusual for a Sunday.
“I Was Just Getting Back to Normal…”
For many residents, this news brought back old memories. Kozhikode had seen Nipah outbreaks before, and every time, life came to a standstill for a few weeks.
“I was just getting back to normal after last year,” said Jaleel, a local electrician.
“Now again, this tension.”
A few shops near Kallayi stayed shut, even though there was no official order. One owner said, “I just don’t want to take risks, even if it’s one case.”
Nipah Virus in Kerala: Health Workers Back on Ground
As of now, around 75 people who may have come in contact with the patient have been traced. Some are family, a few are hospital staff, and others include neighbors. They’ve been asked to stay indoors, and medical teams are doing daily checks.
The district health officer told reporters that people should not panic.
“This time, we identified and isolated the patient quickly. We are following every step as per protocol.”
Temporary isolation beds have been readied in Kozhikode and nearby Taluk hospitals. Masks are back in stock in most pharmacies — demand spiked in just a few hours.
The Bigger Worry: Why Again?
The recurring appearance of the Nipah virus in Kerala, especially in the Kozhikode-Malappuram belt, is raising questions. Some doctors believe that fruit bats — which naturally carry the virus — have a strong presence in this region. But that’s only one part of the story.
“The issue is also how close people live to wild trees, or drink from local sources that aren’t monitored,” said a public health nurse who didn’t want to be named.
In some parts, people still pluck fruits from their backyard or collect fallen ones — a habit now seen as risky.
The Way Forward
There is no lockdown or travel ban. But local authorities have asked people to avoid crowded gatherings and report symptoms early. Posters have been re-pasted at bus stands, reminding people of past outbreaks.
In Kozhikode, the mood is cautious. The streets are not empty, but the chatter has changed.
“This is Kerala. We’ve handled worse. But still, you feel that shiver when you hear the word ‘Nipah’ again,” said Deepa, a college student walking with her mother near the main road.
Nipah Virus in Kerala: Ending Note
Right now, there’s just one new case. But the memory of the last outbreaks is enough for people to stay alert. For now, Kozhikode waits — watching, hoping this doesn’t grow further.
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