Nipah claims one more life, toll climbs to 13
The dreaded Nipah virus claimed one more life in north Kerala on Saturday, taking the death toll to 13 even as state health authorities intensified efforts to detect the primary source of the outbreak.
The latest victim was identified as 62-year-old Kalyani Amma, who was admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital last week. Three more patients are still in a critical condition and 21 people have been kept under observation, sources in the hospital said.
They added that she might have contracted the virus from the taluk hospital in Perambra. Four deceased family members of Moosa and nurse Lini who died after attending to them were initially treated at the taluk hospital. However, three more nurses from the same health facility were admitted to the hospital, but they tested negative.
Similarly the Kottyam Medical College Hospital has also ruled out infection in three persons admitted with fever and asphyxiation.
Since the blood and serum samples of insectivorous bats netted from the affected areas were found negative, health authorities have intensified their efforts to pinpoint the main carrier of the virus. Samples of fruit bats were also sent for
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
examination.
The state health ministry has reiterated that no fresh cases were reported from two affected districts of Kozhikkode and Malappuram. Right now three infected persons are undergoing treatment at the medical college and 21 others are under observation after they developed some symptoms, health officials said.
Meanwhile, the state health department has started research to develop a vaccine and drug to contain the virus.
“The Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram will take the lead with the help of Indian Council of Medical Research. Many known Malayalee doctors working abroad have promised help,” state health minister KK Shailaja said. She said 50 doses of the human monoclonal antibody developed in Australia will be procured.