Kerala Health Department has issued a health advisory to people travelling to the State following the outbreak of Nipah virus which claims several lives in the northern parts of the State.

"Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra conscious, they may avoid the districts -- Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur -- when travelling to the State," it said. "A few cases of infection by Nipah virus has been reported from Kozhikode District in Kerala. The infection remains highly localised, all cases being linked to one family," it added. "Surveillance by the Government of Kerala is being conducted in Kozhikode District and in the neighbouring districts of Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur. The Health Department is taking effective steps for management of reported cases and surveillance through tracing of the contact of these persons. The situation remains under control," it said.