The anganwadi at Sooppikkada was devoid of all the usual fun on Monday. The small, empty classroom filled with decorations and cartoon characters reflected the mood of Changaroth and nearby villages after the Nipah viral infection was confirmed. “We have come here after convincing our families that the virus does not spread so easily. But what do we do when all 20 students fail to turn up?” asks Kunhaisha, an anganwadi worker who was accompanied by helper Sreeja.
A day after three of a family died after they had contracted Nipah viral infection at Sooppikkada, in Kozhikode, a pall of gloom prevails across the region. People gather at junctions in groups to discuss the matter. The death of nurse Lini at nearby Chempanoda on Sunday and misguiding messages on social media have pushed them into panic mode. The gathering at the Kadiyangad junction in front of Changaroth grama panchayat office was busy discussing the latest developments about the viral infection.
“All chicken stalls in the neighbourhood have been closed down, as there were rumours that if bats could spread the virus, chicken could too,” said one of the villagers who had assembled to watch the team of experts catching the bats for testing. Also, people residing near the house where the deaths were reported have vacated their houses to stay with their relatives.
“We have children at home. Why risk?” said one of the neighbours of Valachuketti House in Sooppikkada from where the initial two deaths were reported. Everyone here is equipped with a mask. In fact, masks have been sold out at most medical stores. New faces in the village are welcomed with a questioning gaze though the villagers are always ready to help with the required information about the dead.
