Mandaviya confirms two Nipah virus deaths in Kerala Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday confirmed that the two deaths in Kerala’s Kozhikode district have been caused by the the Nipah virus. The Union Health Minister added that currently four patients suspected to be infected with Nipah virus are under surveillance and their samples have been sent for testing. A Central team has been sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the state government in Nipah virus management, Mandaviya said in a press conference here. “I have spoken to the Health Minister of Kerala, there have been reports of this virus several times this season. Cases are coming up, this virus is spread by bats. A guideline has been prepared by the Health Ministry regarding this so that we can take precautions,” Mandaviya said.