KOZHIKODE: A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala, who was under treatment for the deadly Nipah virus infection, passed away on Sunday. State Health Minister Veena George reported that the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10:50 am on Sunday, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He had been experiencing fever and symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome—brain inflammation and swelling typically caused by an infection—and had been on a ventilator since Friday.

"He was on ventilator support. His urine output decreased this morning. After a massive cardiac arrest, resuscitation efforts failed, and he passed away at 11:30 am," said Minister Veena George. She added that the funeral would follow international protocols after the district Collector discuss with the boy's parents and family. Nipah is a viral infection that primarily affects animals like bats, pigs, dogs, and horses, but it can also infect humans who come into contact with infected animals, leading to severe illness. Nipah usually manifests as fever and brain swelling.

Following the boy's death, the Centre dispatched a 'One Health' outbreak response team to investigate the case. The team will identify epidemiological linkages and offer technical assistance to the state. The Centre has advised the state to actively search for Nipah virus cases among the boy's family, neighbouring areas, and regions with similar topography. Additionally, the state has been instructed to trace all of the boy's contacts from the past 12 days. Strict quarantine for contacts and isolation for suspected cases have been recommended. Samples from contacts and suspected cases are to be sent for laboratory testing.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), at the state's request, sent monoclonal antibodies against the infection. Although the antibodies arrived before the boy's death, they could not be administered due to his poor general condition, according to a statement from the Union Health Ministry.