A 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad in Malappuram district, Kerala, succumbed to Nipah virus at Kozhikode Medical College on Sunday, July 21. The boy was in critical condition and suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10:50 am, passing away at 11:30 am, as reported by Health Minister Veena George.

The boy initially sought treatment at a private clinic in Malappuram on July 12 before being moved to a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. Suspecting Nipah virus, he was finally transferred to Kozhikode Medical College. On July 20, the Health Minister confirmed his Nipah virus diagnosis.

In response to the situation, the government expedited the procurement of a monoclonal antibody from Australia, which the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) received on July 20. Despite the medicine arriving promptly, it needed to be administered within five days of infection, and the boy passed away before it could be given.

The boy's funeral will follow World Health Organization (WHO) protocols for Nipah virus cases. The health department has published a route map of the boy’s movements and isolated individuals who had contact with him. His father and uncle are currently in Kozhikode Medical College, while four others, categorized as high-risk, are receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College Hospital. One of these patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with viral fever.

Health Minister Veena George emphasized that the number of symptomatic individuals is low, indicating that the virus is not spreading extensively. Efforts are ongoing to trace and test all potential contacts to contain the virus spread and ensure public safety.