The WHO has described the virus as a priority pathogen because of its potential to trigger an epidemic.

The virus has been linked to dozens of deaths in Kerala state since it was first reported there in 2018.

The 14-year-old died on Sunday, just a day after he was confirmed to have the virus, according to Indian media reports.

Parts of Kerala are said to be the most at-risk globally for the virus. An investigation published by Reuters last year found that Kerala, which is a tropical state and is witnessing rapid urbanisation and rapid tree loss, created “ideal conditions for a virus like Nipah to emerge”.

Experts say that due to habitat loss, animals are living in closer proximity to humans and this helps the virus jump from animals to humans.

The state government recently announced that it was creating an action plan to prevent a Nipah outbreak.

Last year, authorities in Kerala state closed schools and offices after confirming five cases.