Health authorities in Kerala, India, have issued a warning following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus. The state’s Health Minister, Veena George, announced that 60 additional individuals have been identified as being at high risk for the disease.

The boy, who was from Pandikkad, passed away on Sunday, just a day after testing positive for the virus. Officials have isolated and tested those who were in close contact with him. Residents are being urged to take safety precautions, including wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, which means it is transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can also spread through contaminated food or by coming into contact with an infected person. The WHO has classified the Nipah virus as a priority pathogen due to its potential to cause an epidemic.

Kerala has seen multiple Nipah virus outbreaks since 2018, with the recent case marking a troubling development. The state, which faces challenges such as rapid urbanization and deforestation, has been identified as a high-risk area for the virus. A report by Reuters highlighted that habitat loss has led to increased interactions between animals and humans, facilitating the virus's spread.

In response, the Kerala government is developing a comprehensive action plan to prevent future outbreaks. Last year, authorities had to close schools and offices following five confirmed cases of the virus.

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