Nipah virus: In this Kerala village, trees bear no fruit, only bats

Residents in Karunapuram village in Udumbanchola taluk, Kozhikode, are concerned about the increasing number of fruit bats in the area. With the recent confirmation of Nipah virus cases, the residents are worried about the potential transmission of the virus. The bats have caused significant damage to coffee and cardamom plantations in the region, leading to a fear of consuming fruits from trees. Health officials and forest officials have conducted inspections and advised residents to be cautious of water sources contaminated with bat excretions. The district collector has also ordered inspections in the area.