Health authorities in Kerala, India, have issued an alert after a 14-year-old boy died from the Nipah virus.
The state’s health minister reported that 60 people are considered high-risk for the disease.
The boy, from Pandikkad, had his contacts isolated and tested. Residents are advised to wear masks and avoid hospital visits.
The Nipah virus, which can be transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, as well as through contaminated food and direct contact, is a priority pathogen according to the WHO due to its epidemic potential.
The virus has caused multiple deaths in Kerala since 2018.
The boy died a day after his infection was confirmed.
Kerala’s rapid urbanization and deforestation create ideal conditions for the virus.
The state government is implementing an action plan to prevent an outbreak, following last year’s school and office closures after five cases were confirmed.
