KOZHIKODE: Two more deaths were reported due to viral fever on Sunday, taking the toll to five in a month. Ismayil, 49, of Thiruvod in Kottur panchayat and Velayudhan of Kulathur died at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. According to health sources, the deaths were due to encephalitis, the illness which claimed the lives of Sabih, Salih and Mariyam at Panthiri-kkara in Perambra.
Sources said that Ismayil was admitted in the ward at MCH where Sabith underwent treatment. Sabith was the first to die due to the disease on May 5. As many as nine persons with similar symptoms are under observation in various hospitals in the district. “The symptoms were detected in only those who came in close contact with the deceased. This is not an air-borne disease,” said DMO Dr V. Jayashree. A 24x7 functioning control room started at the DMO office. Phone: 0495 2376063.
It’s nipah virus, tests confirm
The National Virology Institute, Pune confirmed Nipah virus in the blood samples of the first two victims from Perambra in Kozhikode district, Directorate of Health Service said on Sunday. However, health minister K.K. Shylaja said there was nothing to fear. She confirmed three deaths in Perambra from a rare virus infection reported for the first time in the state.
"There was no need for fear," she said on the sidelines of the foundation stone-laying for the Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) at Kalamassery on Sunday. She said a special medical team headed by Dr Arun Kumar, head of the virology department of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, is camping there. The minister said that WHO and the Union government had been informed about the deaths and a Central team is expected here soon.
“Those who have come into contact with the dead including nurses and doctors are under surveillance,” she said “If proper precaution is taken, the disease can be prevented. It does not spread through the air, but body secretions. Fruits eaten by bats and the toddy have been identified as sources of spreading the disease. Toddy tapping has been banned in the entire taluk.”
She warned social media handles were spreading wrong information, as it wields enormous influence. “The health department will use the platform to spread the right information on the disease,” she said when reporters pointed out the social media creating panic.
