In southern India’s Kerala state, there is a Nipah outbreak. This is a rare and dangerous sickness that has caused two individuals to be affected. To prevent its spread, schools are closed, and many tests are being done. The leader of the state, Pinarayi Vijayan, has told people in Kozhikode district to be careful and follow the rules. This is the fourth time this has happened in Kerala since 2018. Vijayan says it is important to stay calm and not be too scared.

The Nipah virus can spread from animals, food, or contaminated surfaces. It causes symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing and brain problems. There’s no vaccine or definitive treatment. In Kerala, over 700 close contacts were identified, with 77 at high risk. Some schools are closed, and precautions are taken in seven villages. In 2018, Kerala faced a major Nipah outbreak, with 17 individuals affected. The virus was first found in Malaysia in 1998–1999, leading to pig culling. It mainly comes from infected pigs but can spread from person to person. The Nipah virus is a significant concern for the World Health Organization, prompting intensive research.