Route map of Nipah patient in Palakkad released

PALAKKAD: The route map of the dead confirmed with Nipah in initial test has been released. The district administration released the route map of a 58-year-old native of Mannarkkad who died with Nipah symptoms. He died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna with fever and shortness of breath.

He was confirmed to have Nipah during a preliminary test conducted at Manjeri Njeri Medical College Hospital. The sample has been sent to the Pune Virology Lab for detailed testing. He had sought treatment at two private hospitals in Mannarkkad a week ago. He was brought to a private hospital in Perinthalmanna from Mannarkkad on Friday evening with severe shortness of breath. He was treated in a specially equipped critical care unit as his symptoms were similar to Nipah. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon. Close relatives and health workers attended the funeral.

In the wake of the initial confirmation of Nipah, the health department has started preventive activities in Kumarampathur Panchayat. Those who had direct contact with the patient have been instructed to remain under observation. Health workers, including doctors who treated him, have also been instructed to go into quarantine. The source of the disease is not yet clear.