Battle in Kerala
With all 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala at stake in the second phase of polling tomorrow, the electoral drama unfolds with its usual intensity, underscoring the unique political landscape of the state.
The death toll due to Nipah virus has risen to 11 in Kerala, with one more person succumbing to the deadly virus in Kozhikode on Thursday morning.
The deceased was identified as 61-year-old V Moosa, who had been battling for life for the last few days in a private hospital and was on ventilator support.
Kozhikode district medical officer Dr Jayasree E told reporters that about 160 samples were sent for testing at the virology institute and so far 13 cases had been found to be positive. Of the 13 confirmed cases, 11 people have died.
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The official also said confirmation was awaited with regard to one more death in Kozhikode.
Also Read | What is Nipah virus | Read symptoms and treatment
According to media reports, V Moosa is the fourth member of his family to die of the infection. Moosa’s sons Mohammed Saliah (28) and Mohammed Sadiq (26), and a relative Mariumma had died earlier.
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.
Meanwhile, according to a report in Times of India, dozens of bats were found dead on Wednesday at the Government Senior Secondary School in Barma Papdi of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, spreading panic across the state.
Read More | Nipah virus contained in Kerala; police warn stern action against spreading rumours
The report said a team of veterinary department reached the spot and took samples to determine the reasons behind the death of the bats. The samples of bats were sent to the National Institute of Viral Diseases at Pune and Jalandhar for testing. Their reports are awaited.
In Kerala, the government has issued an advisory asking travellers to avoid visiting the four affected districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur.
Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan while travelling to any part of Kerala was safe, travellers could avoid the four aforementioned districts if they wished to be “extra cautious”.
The government has also called an all-party meeting in Kozhikode on 25 May to discuss the matter.
(with agency inputs)
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