Malappuram: A 24-year-old man died of Nipah virus infection at a private hospital in Kerala's Malappuram. This is the first confirmed case of Nipah infection in the state this year. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that Nipah infection was suspected after the regional medical officer investigated the cause of death.

The minister said in a video message that the available samples were immediately sent for testing and the results confirmed the infection.

A Malappuram resident died on the 9th

The Malappuram resident, who had come to Kerala from Bengaluru, died on September 9, following which his available samples were sent for testing to the laboratory of Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital. Malappuram health officials said that the results of the medical college came positive for the infection, following which the health minister held a high-level meeting on Saturday night itself and took necessary steps as per protocol.

People kept in isolation

Meanwhile, results from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune on Sunday confirmed the infection. The minister said 16 committees were formed on Saturday night itself and a list of 151 people who had come in contact with the infected person was also prepared. He said the person had travelled to various places with his friends and those who came in close contact with him have been put in isolation.