Nipah scare in Kerala: Dept. opens the control room for quick intervention

A warning board outside the Nipah Isolation Ward at Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. | Photo credit: PTI

The Animal Husbandry Department has opened a district-level dispatch center in Kozhikode after the confirmation of a case of Nipah virus infection in the district to prevent possible transmission of the disease from animals and to coordinate surveillance and emergency response measures.

A control room has been set up at the Animal Disease Control Project Office functioning under the District Animal Husbandry Office at Bank Road, Kozhikode. Authorities have stepped up surveillance in Ramanattukara village, where the infection was reported, and surrounding areas.

As part of preventive measures, special monitoring and field checks were started in all localities where bats are commonly observed, as well as in pig farms and areas with a high population of domestic animals. The department has appealed to the public to report any unusual symptoms in animals, suspected animal deaths or strange increases in bat numbers to dispatch on 04952-762050.

Watch out for the fruit

The district director of animal husbandry said residents should be careful to minimize the risk of exposure to the Nipah virus. People were advised not to consume wild fruit or fruit found on the ground that may have been contaminated by bat bites, saliva or droppings. The official also urged the public to ensure that wells frequented by bats are protected with nets and that water from such sources is used only after proper chlorination.

The ministry further ordered livestock owners to immediately notify veterinary authorities if domesticated animals show unusual symptoms or if sudden death occurs. Pet owners were cautioned against attempting to treat sick animals themselves and were advised to seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Gloves, face masks

People engaged in activities involving direct contact with domesticated animals in supervised areas have been instructed to follow safety protocols, including the use of gloves and face masks. Officials reiterated that there was no need to panic and urged local communities not to spread rumors or misinformation about the disease.

“The animal husbandry department in coordination with the health department is monitoring the situation closely. Everyone should strictly follow the latest official recommendations,” said a senior official of the finance department, who reviewed the district-level surveillance measures on Friday. He said the state government was closely monitoring the development and a separate medical team would soon be deployed to help the district authorities oversee the advanced safety protocol and medical measures.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 17:37 IST