Schools to remain closed as Nipah virus death toll rises to 18 in Kerala

The administration has ordered all schools to remain shut, social gatherings have been called off and people are advised to remain indoors.

Listen to Story

Advertisement
Schools to remain closed as Nipah virus death toll rises to 18 in Kerala
So far, 18 people have died and nearly 1,945 are under medical supervision. (Photo: Reuters)

In Short

  • Social gatherings have been called off and people advised to remain indoors.
  • Kozhikode District Collector has requested courts to stop operations till the situation improves.
  • A team led by Director Health RL Sarita is monitoring the situation.

The death toll following the outbreak of Nipah virus continues to rise in Kerala, claiming one more life this morning.

So far, 18 people have died and nearly 1,945 are under medical supervision.

On Friday, Reeja, 39, a resident of Thalassery in Kannur district, tested negative for NiV. She was undergoing treatment at Kozhikide medical college but Saturday morning.

ALSO READ | Nipah virus scare pushes several states to issue advisories

advertisement

The virus outbreak has hit the Malabar region of northern Kerala. Normal life has been hit as people are living under a fear for the past two weeks.

As a precautionary measure, the administration has ordered all schools to remain shut, social gatherings have been called off and people are advised to remain indoors.

Many shops in the affected areas remain closed and government has postponed opening of schools to June 12 in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.
Kozhikode District Collector UV Jose has requested local courts to suspend their operations till the situation improves.

Chief Minister Pianrayi Vijayan has reviewed the situation and directed Chief Secretary Paul Antony to coordinate with various departments and central teams to check the spread of Nipah virus.

Speaking to India Today, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said, "At present, 16 people are undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College with NiV related symptoms. Another 1,949 who had exposure to Nipah virus are under medical supervision."

He added that a team led by Director Health RL Sarita is monitoring the situation.

ALSO READ | Nipah death toll rises to 16, Kerala health minister warns of new outbreak

"People are scared to come out from homes and are avoiding public contacts. Marriages have been postponed, business hit and people are refraining from going to work," said A Pradeepkumar, MLA from Kozhikode.

He also blamed the social media for spreading misinformation about the virus which is reportedly causing panic among the locals.

The Thamarasery Syro-Malabar Church has directed its local units to not offer Eucharist on the tongue during the Holy Mass to avoid saliva contact.

ALSO WATCH | Epicentre of Nipah Virus | India Today exclusive ground report