On Friday, July 4, 2025, the Kerala Health Department issued an alert in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts following the detection of two Nipah virus cases in Palakkad and Malappuram. Initial tests conducted at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and in Malappuram returned positive results for the virus.

According to an official statement, health authorities have been instructed to immediately implement preventive and containment measures in line with the State Nipah protocol, without waiting for confirmation from the National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Health Minister Veena George held a high-level meeting to review and coordinate the response in all three districts. The same set of preventive actions will be enforced uniformly, with 26-member committees established in each district to oversee the efforts.

Contact tracing will be supported by the police, along with the activation of both state and district-level helplines. Containment zones will be declared in the affected areas of Palakkad and Malappuram, with District Collectors tasked with leading the response locally.

Authorities have been instructed to conduct public awareness campaigns and carry out thorough contact tracing to ensure no cases are missed. Any unnatural deaths during this time will be subject to close investigation.

Another high-level meeting will be convened by the Health Minister later on Friday to further assess surveillance efforts and refine control strategies.

meta description: Kerala Health Department sounded an alert in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad after two Nipah virus cases were detected. Authorities have begun containment measures and contact tracing under the state Nipah protocol.