KOZHIKODE, MAY 22,
The number of deaths due to the Nipah virus infection in Kerala has risen to 11 with blood and body fluid samples of more people turning positive on Tuesday.
Three of the deceased are from Malappuram district, who were reportedly in contact with those undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode for the infection.Health Minister K.K. Shylaja told the media that of the 18 samples sent for laboratory tests, 12 had been positive. Two of the confirmed patients are undergoing treatment at private hospitals in Kozhikode. The blood samples of the first victim could not be sent for lab tests, though by now it is assumed that he should also have been infected by the disease.
Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.
Rajan of Koorachundu and Ashokan of Chekkiad died due to the infection on Tuesday. They were undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and Baby Memorial Hospital in the city respectively.
