Nipah virus infection: death toll rises to 11 in Kerala

A duty doctor at Kozhikode Medical College wears a protective mask during his cover during his duty.

A duty doctor at Kozhikode Medical College wears a protective mask during his cover during his duty.   | Photo Credit: S. Ramesh Kurup

Sixteen more are under observation at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.

The number of deaths due to Nipah virus infection in Kerala rose to 11 on Tuesday.

Three of the deceased are from Malappuram district, who were reportedly in contact with others while they were undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital.

 

Health Minister K.K. Shylaja told the media that of the 18 samples sent for laboratory tests, 12 had been positive. Two of the confirmed patients are undergoing treatment at private hospitals in Kozhikode. The blood samples of the first victim could not be sent for lab tests, though by now it is assumed that he should also have been infected by the disease.

Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.

Meanwhile, two more people died due to infection on Tuesday. Their names were given as Rajan of Koorachundu and Ashokan of Chekkiad. They were undergoing treatment at the Medical College and Baby Memorial Hospital, respectively.