A teenage girl in southern India has died after contracting the Nipah virus, a rare but extremely dangerous infection that causes swelling of the brain. Health officials confirmed the death in the state of Kerala, where the virus has appeared before.
The 18-year-old developed severe brain inflammation, a condition that can cause fever, confusion, and rapid loss of consciousness. Despite medical care, she did not survive. A second patient, a 38-year-old woman from a nearby area, is now in critical condition in hospital.
Nipah virus is carried by fruit bats and can spread to humans through contaminated food, bat saliva, or close contact with an infected person. The illness is known for its high death rate and can worsen very quickly once symptoms begin.
Authorities have identified more than 400 people who may have been exposed. Several are being treated in hospital, including some in intensive care. Health teams are testing contacts and monitoring symptoms to stop further spread.
Kerala has dealt with Nipah outbreaks in the past, and experts remain alert. While the virus does not spread easily between people, officials say fast detection and isolation are essential. For now, authorities say there is no reason for panic, but caution and close monitoring remain critical.