Kozhikode, 11 June (H.S.):A 43-year-old man from Feroke in Kozhikode district has tested positive for Nipah virus infection and has been shifted to the isolation ward at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, as health authorities intensified containment measures and contact-tracing efforts.

The patient was moved to the hospital’s specialised isolation facility around midnight on Wednesday after laboratory tests conducted at the Kozhikode Medical College confirmed the infection. His samples have also been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for further expert analysis and confirmation.

The patient is currently undergoing treatment on ventilator support and remains under close medical supervision. Health officials said efforts are underway to identify the source of the infection and trace all individuals who may have come into contact with him in recent days.

According to preliminary information, the man had initially sought treatment for severe fever at a private hospital nearly a week ago. As his condition worsened and additional symptoms emerged, further tests were conducted, leading to the confirmation of Nipah infection. Reports indicate that he had also visited a de-addiction centre, prompting authorities to examine potential exposure routes and identify contacts.

The Health Department has directed close family members and others who had significant contact with the patient to enter quarantine as a precautionary measure. A detailed contact list is expected to be prepared on Thursday, following which risk categorisation and monitoring procedures will begin.

In response to the confirmed case, stringent restrictions have been imposed within the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital premises. Hospital authorities have erected special barricades around the affected ward, closed access to the SDS Block, and prohibited parking in the surrounding area. Patients being discharged and visitors have been instructed to use the hospital’s main gate to minimise movement near the isolation zone.

State Health Minister K. Muraleedharan will chair a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the situation and coordinate containment measures.

Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals such as bats and pigs to humans. The disease can cause fever, body pain, headache, respiratory distress, vomiting, altered consciousness and, in severe cases, encephalitis and death. Health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official advisories while avoiding panic.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman