In Kerala, Nipah virus outbreaks occurred in 2018 and 2023, both in Kozhikode. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Health officials in Kerala have issued an alert for Nipah infection in the state from April to September.
As cases are frequently reported here since 2018, we are focusing on Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur districts. Awareness campaigns for children are also planned, as some of the victims in recent years have been from this age group.
Kerala had Nipah outbreaks in 2018 and 2023, both in Kozhikode, one spillover case in 2019 and 2021, two spillover cases in 2024 and four such cases in 2025, most of which were in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad. Transmissions are individual cases of infection, while outbreaks involve person-to-person transmission.
Outbreak Patterns
According to TS Anish, Nodal Officer, Kozhikode-based Kerala One Health Center for Nipah Research and Resiliency, the Nipah virus was found to be active in Kerala during a six-month period starting from April. “The first outbreak in the state was in early May 2018. That patient could have been infected by the end of the previous month. At the same time, the highest number of cases so far was in September. In the 2023 outbreak, the first patient died on August 30. But other cases – others who contracted it – were reported in the next month,” he says. We also had 25 cases in September. Dr. Anish points out that no cases have been reported in the six months since September till now.
When asked about the reason for this phenomenon, he said that the infection has been found to be transmitted through fruits in Kerala as bats are “natural reservoirs” of the virus. The fruiting season in the state is around April. The breeding season for bats is from April to May, and then in September, when they become more aggressive, says Dr. Anish. Viral shedding may increase during this period.
“Most of the cases were also in the six districts south of Kannur. Another pattern is the infection going south. From Kozhikode to Malappuram, then to Palakkad and to Thrissur, possibly due to movement of bats from one place to another. We plan to focus on Thrissur as well,” he says. Perinthalmanna in Malappuram and Kozhikode city have become the two most important places due to the presence of corporate hospitals and government tertiary care hospitals where Nipah patients are admitted.
Awareness sessions
Health professionals are also planning informational meetings aimed at children. “Two of those who have succumbed to the infection so far have been children from Kozhikode and Malappuram areas. There is a possibility that children are picking fruits and spending time near bat roosts,” says Dr. Anish.
Avoiding fruit lying on the ground or fruit bitten by bats, washing and peeling fruit before eating, and staying away from bat roosts are some suggested steps to avoid infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and difficulty breathing. Preventive measures include ensuring hand hygiene and wearing masks in public.
Published – 22 March 2026 19:11 IST
