Kerala’s Palakkad district has confirmed a second case of Nipah virus. A 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur near Mannarkkad tested positive for the virus after he died. He was being treated at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna before he passed away.

After this case, health officials have warned hospitals in six districts: Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur, to be alert. Authorities have started contact tracing to find everyone who was in close contact with the man. So far, 46 people have been identified. They also collected CCTV footage and made a route map of where he had been. A family tree has been prepared to track possible spread, according to Health Minister Veena George.

The minister said officials have been told to strengthen the response team because this case is very serious. Health officials have increased their activities in the area. They are checking people for fever and keeping a close watch. They will also use mobile tower data to track movements. The health minister, Veena George, said the team will be made stronger in case more Nipah cases are found.

Hospitals in six districts have been told to be extra careful and report any patients who have fever and symptoms similar to Nipah, like brain infection (encephalitis) and very high fever. Officials have asked people in Palakkad and Malappuram districts not to visit hospitals unless it is really needed. People should also avoid visiting friends or relatives who are in the hospital. Only one person is allowed to stay with a patient as an attendant. Everyone — including doctors, nurses, patients, and visitors — must wear masks at all times inside hospitals.