In response to the recent death of a Bengaluru student from the Nipah virus in Kerala, the Karnataka Health Department has heightened its alertness. Officials reported that 41 individuals who had close contact with the 24-year-old postgraduate psychology student are currently in quarantine. However, they emphasized that there is no cause for alarm as no Nipah cases have been identified in Karnataka so far.
The student, originally from Thiruvali gram panchayat in Malappuram, Kerala, returned home on August 25 after sustaining an injury. He began experiencing fever on September 5 and sought treatment at a local clinic. His health worsened, leading to symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) at a medical college hospital in Kerala, where he ultimately passed away on September 8.
A team from the Karnataka Health Department’s disease surveillance unit checked the student’s institute and confirmed that 32 students and staff members attended his funeral, with three visiting him in the hospital. “Currently, there are 41 people (both primary and secondary contacts) under quarantine or isolation, and new contacts are being identified. One primary contact who showed symptoms is stable and under observation, while all other primary and secondary contacts are symptom-free,” stated an official release.
“Although no confirmed cases have emerged in Karnataka yet, the department has intensified surveillance efforts via Rapid Response Teams (RRT). Those in quarantine have been instructed to report any symptoms immediately, and ongoing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts regarding the disease are in place,” the release added.
