Kerala: After two individuals died from the uncommon and frequently fatal disease, a state in southern India is taking action to control an epidemic of the Nipah virus. Schools have been closed, and hundreds have been tested in an effort to stop the virus' spread. The virus has been found in Kerala's Kozhikode district, according to the state's chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who urged locals to take precautions and abide by the health department's safety regulations. He said in a statement on Wednesday that two persons died from the illness, the state's fourth epidemic since 2018. Vijayan posted on social media, "We should not be afraid, but face this situation with caution." According to Kerala's health minister Veena, more than 700 persons have been identified as close contacts so far and are being tested for the virus. She said that 77 of them were deemed to be "high risk," and that they had been urged to stay at home and keep an eye on their health.

Key Points

• After two individuals died from the uncommon and frequently fatal disease, a state in southern India is taking action to control an epidemic of the Nipah virus.

• According to Kerala's health minister Veena, more than 700 persons have been identified as close contacts so far and are being tested for the virus. She said that 77 of them were deemed to be "high risk," and that they had been urged to stay at home and keep an eye on their health.

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