The Kerala Health Department has taken all preventive measures in the Pathanamthitta district against the backdrop of the Nipah outbreak reported in the northern part of Kerala, according to District Medical Officer A.L. Sheeja.
A 47-year old housewife from Mallappally who was undergoing treatment for fever at the Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital, died on Tuesday. There were reports of suspected H1N1 infection leading to her death.
Dr. Sheeja said the samples collected from her throat had been sent to the Virology Laboratory at Manipal for detailed investigation.
According to the DMO, directions have been issued to the authorities concerned for setting up isolation wards and cough corners at the government hospitals in Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Kozhecherry, Adoor, Ranni, Konni, and Mallappally as well as two private hospitals in Thiruvalla on a warfooting.
Addressing a meeting of the heads of various hospitals in the district, Dr. Sheeja said separate out-patient facilities for fever patients should be set up at all hospitals in the district.
Meanwhile, as many as 215 persons sought treatment for fever at various government hospitals in the district on Tuesday, according to official sources.