Authorities in the Indian state of Kerala have closed schools and offices and declared a lockdown in nine localities to try to stop the spread of the rare and deadly Nipah virus, which has killed two people.
Five more cases have been identified, including a child. More than 700 people have been tested.
Nipah is spread by fruit bats, which can transmit the virus to humans through infected body fluids such as saliva left on fruit.
These people can then infect others through close contact, including potential airborne transmission through coughing and sneezing.
The virus has a mortality rate of up to 75%, as no vaccine or medication works against it, and treatment is aimed at helping patients survive the symptoms while the body fights the infection.
Nipah can kill, causing both serious breathing problems and fatal swelling of the brain.
