Nipah Virus Resurfaces in Kerala: 42-Year-Old Woman Critical Amid Fresh Health Concerns

Last Updated May - 16 - 2025, 04:19 PM | Source : Fela News

A 42-year-old woman in Kerala is in a coma after testing positive for the deadly Nipah virus. Health officials are investigating the source as the state faces a

The Nipah virus has resurfaced in Kerala, with a 42-year-old woman from Malappuram district testing positive. She is currently in a coma and on full ventilator support at EMS Memorial Hospital, Perinthalmanna. The woman began exhibiting severe encephalitis-like symptoms and was admitted on May 2. Her condition remains critical despite receiving two doses of monoclonal antibody therapy. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed her Nipah virus infection.

Health officials are probing the possible transmission routes, as the exact reason for the virus’s re-emergence is unclear. Although Kerala has faced multiple outbreaks over the past seven years, the only established reservoir remains the Pteropus medius fruit bat. Other potential carriers are yet to be identified.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen first detected in Malaysia in 1998. It spreads from animals to humans and, in some cases, between people. The virus has a high mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the speed and quality of medical care.

Key symptoms include fever, persistent headache, muscle pain, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, disorientation and coma. Symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure. Immediate medical attention is critical to prevent complications and further spread.