Nipah: Kerala death toll rises to 11; fear of virus spread in Karnataka

The deadly Nipah virus on Thursday claimed one more life in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, taking the death toll to 11 so far. The deceased, V Moosa, 61, was battling for life in a private hospital in Kozhikode after he contracted the virus few days back, district medical officer, Dr Jayasree E told reporters.

About 160 samples have been sent for testing at the virology institute and 13 cases have been found to be positive. Of the 13 confirmed cases, 11 people have died so far, she said.

The number was likely to rise further as the confirmation was awaited with regard to one more death in Kozhikode.

Moosa was the fourth victim of the Nipah virus from his family. His sons Mohammed Saliah (28), Mohammed Sadiq (26) and a relative Mariumma had died earlier. While two of the deaths have been confirmed due to Nipah, the blood samples of one of his sons had not been tested for the virus, sources said.

Nurse Lini Puthussery, who had initially treated members of Moosa’s family at Perambra Taluk hospital in the district, also died after being infected by the virus.

Nipah virus crosses border from Kerala to Karnataka!

Meanwhile, the fear of Nipah virus has crossed the border from Kerala to Karnataka with two people suspected to be infected by the deadly virus, Karnataka health officials said.

The symptoms of Nipah virus were found in a 20-year-old woman and 75-year-old man in Karnataka’s Mangalore. They were reportedly in contact with infected patients in Kerala, NDTV quoted Rajesh BV, a health official in Karnataka.

However, the health official said that the situation was under control and there was no need to panic as they were not confirmed Nipah cases yet.

Kerala government issues travel advisory

In wake of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, the state government has issued an advisory, asking people to avoid traveling to the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur.

“Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts,” Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said.

The government has also called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on May 25 to discuss the issue.

Most of the deaths reported were from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts and at least 18 people were undergoing treatment in various hospitals, including one in Wayanad.

(With agency inputs)