One more person has died due to suspected infection of Nipah virus (NiV) in Kozhikode district of Kerala. Two had died of the suspected infection.
Health authorities on Monday said Lini, 31, staff nurse at the Perambra Taluk Hospital, was under treatment at the intensive care unit of the Institute of Chest Diseases of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. She was on duty when one of the earlier deceased had undergone treatment there.
Three from a family from Sooppikkada village in Changaroth gram panchayat limits near Perambra, Kozhikode, died due to encephalitis and myocarditis since May 5. Three others, including Lini, who were in close contact with the deceased passed away, suspectedly due to infection caused by the virus.
State Health Minister K.K. Shylaja, who attended a high-level meeting in Kozhikode, said eight people were under observation in various government and private hospitals.
'Bats could be the source of infection'
G. Arun Kumar of the Manipal Academy of Virus Research, who visited the area on Sunday, said the source of the infection might be the bats found in a well on the house premises of the deceased. They have been captured with the help of veterinary and wildlife experts and sent for detailed tests.
Director of Health Services R.L. Saritha told the media late Sunday night that laboratory results from the National Virology Institute, Pune, had confirmed the infection for the first time in the State.
A control room has been opened at the District Medical Officer’s office (Ph: 0495-2376063)
