Kerala Health Department Achieves Major Success in Nipah Virus Treatment in Malappuram

Malappuram: The Health Department of Kerala has marked a significant public health success with the recovery of the first confirmed Nipah virus patient from the recent outbreak. Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced on Friday that the patient has now tested negative in two consecutive tests and is technically free of the virus, with clear signs of clinical improvement.
The 42-year-old woman from Ward 2 of Valanchery municipality was diagnosed with Nipah on May 8 and treated at EMS Cooperative Hospital in Perinthalmanna. The Health Department’s timely intervention, expert coordination, and strict adherence to treatment and infection control protocols ensured that the patient received uninterrupted and advanced care.
Minister Veena George confirmed that the patient has been breathing without ventilator support for 12 days and is now fully on atmospheric air. Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, are stable. The liver and kidneys are functioning normally, and brain activity is showing gradual improvement. MRI scans have confirmed healing of brain injuries caused by the virus.
“This recovery is a result of the Health Department’s well-coordinated effort and round-the-clock care by the critical care team at EMS Hospital,” said Minister George. The medical team, led by Dr Jithesh, Dr Vijay, Dr Mujeeb Rahman, and pulmonologist Dr Dharitri, provided specialized treatment on-site, in line with the guidance from the State Nipah Medical Board.
The Health Department also ensured access to critical medicines, including antiviral drug Remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies, with the support of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). These treatments, combined with Kerala’s preparedness and infection control measures, were key in improving the patient's chances of recovery.
The minister noted that while saving the first patient in a Nipah outbreak is rare, this is the second such success for Kerala, a reflection of the Health Department’s commitment, experience, and evolving clinical protocols. In past outbreaks, the Nipah virus had a mortality rate above 90%, but through advanced treatment methods, Kerala reduced it to 33% in 2023.
The full incubation period has now passed since the initial case, and with no new infections reported, containment efforts have been successful. Helplines and support systems remain in place for the community, while the patient continues to recover under expert supervision.
The Health Department of Kerala has once again demonstrated its capacity to handle high-risk infectious diseases through science-based strategies, effective coordination, and a commitment to saving lives.