Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda, during a press conference on Monday, claimed that the Nipah Virus outbreak in Kerala is the result of "tampering with nature".

"All such incidents were the result of tampering with nature. Nipah Virus wasn't a man-made problem. There were natural reasons. Every person suffering from the virus has been mapped and those in contact with such patients have been detected," he said.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus which is spread by fruit bats, is communicable and is fatal for both animals and humans. Its symptoms include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation and mental confusion and can progress to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Further, Nadda stated that scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the rapidly spreading virus, which claimed 16 lives in May.

As a preventive measure, colleges, and other educational institutions in Kozhikode have been asked to remain closed till June 12. Furthermore, the Kerala state health department issued an advisory for people travelling to the state, urging them to be extra cautious while visiting Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur districts.