Kozhikode: Kerala's repeated Nipah virus outbreaks continue to puzzle health authorities, with investigators still unable to determine how the virus is reaching humans despite confirming bats as its natural source. Although the Nipah virus has been detected in bat samples collected from affected areas, and the same strain has been identified in infected patients, the exact route of transmission remains unknown.
Health officials suspect the virus may spread through fruits partially eaten by bats. However, extensive testing of hundreds of fruit samples collected since 2018 has failed to detect the virus. Fruits such as rambutan, sapota, banana, mangosteen, mango, guava and areca nut damaged by bats or birds are examined every month, yet none have tested positive.
Experts believe the failure to identify the source is linked to the nature of the Nipah virus itself. As an RNA virus, it deteriorates rapidly and is easily destroyed by sunlight, making it extremely difficult to detect on contaminated fruits by the time samples are collected. This has emerged as one of the biggest obstacles in tracing the transmission chain.
Kerala has reported seven Nipah outbreaks since 2018. A patient from Ramanattukara in Feroke, currently admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, remains in critical condition.
Health authorities have confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus in bats across Kerala between February and September, prompting renewed public warnings. People have been advised not to consume fruits bitten by bats or birds or those found fallen on the ground. Fruits should be soaked in water for 15 to 20 minutes, washed thoroughly and peeled before consumption. Authorities have also urged people to harvest ripe fruits directly from trees and use protective nets on fruit-bearing trees to reduce the risk of bat contamination.