KOZHIKODE: People at Soopikada near Panthirikara in Perambra are still panicked after the three deaths reported due to viral encephalitis with myocarditis. The scare is because of the Nipah virus, which is presumed to be behind the deaths. But only the results of the blood tests of the deceased being carried out at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, will confirm it. Locals did not visit the house of the deceased and in fact, many neighbours fled the place in the beginning.
On Sunday, Dr. G. Arunkumar, the HoD of virus research, KMC Manipal and his team had a tough time convincing people that only those who were in contact with the deceased should be put on alert and that the disease was not airborne. The hospitalization of a local youth, who helped in the death ritual of one of the afflicted and that of a nurse at Perambra taluk hospital who attended on the deceased too caused the public to get afraid.
But Mr Arukumar replied that the Nipah virus was yet to be confirmed and added that people should not panic going by the rumours on whatsapp. “The KMC team collected the droppings of bats and the leftovers of fruit which were eaten by birds. The reason for the death of two rabbits in the family where the three deaths occurred is also being looked into,” said Ali, Health Supervisor at Perambra CHC.
The Changaroth gram panchayat conducted an awareness programme for the people of 9, 10 wards to allay fears. “Now people are a bit relieved. The first death of Sabith took place on May 5 and the impression was that he died as he was an ulcer patient. Alarm bells rang after Sabith’s brother Salih died on May 18 and Mariyam, who was married to their father’s older brother, on the next day,” said Changaroth gram panchayath president Ayisha K.K.
At the same time, there is an allegation that only panchayat-level health works are being carried out. “There was a two week gap between the first two deaths. The district medical office authorities only woke up after the third death, that too after the doctors at a private hospital raised suspicions of a Nipah virus,” said a health officer.
