Nipah virus suspect in Kozhikode: 14-year-old's health deteriorates, condition critical

KOZHIKODE: The blood sample of the child, undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Hospital was sent for testing at the Pune Institute of Virology. The patient's health which was considered satisfactory, suddenly deteriorated and is now critical.

The Chemabakassery native, who sought treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna yesterday, was shifted to a private hospital in Kozhikode after developing Nipah symptoms. Three people in the child's contact list are under surveillance. The health workers have been instructed to follow the Nipah protocol.

Nipah virus has been confirmed four times in Kerala since 2018. 17 people lost their lives due to Nipah infection during the first outbreak. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old girl died in Kozhikode due to fever. Elettil Vattoli native Fathima Bathul, daughter of Sharif is the victim. She was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. After getting a fever, the girl was under treatment in a hospital near her house but was shifted to a private hospital in Kozhikode after her health deteriorated.

The body will be handed over to the relatives after legal formalities. Fatima's father Sharif is in abroad.