School girl's death

Kozhikode, Dec 13 (UNI) Shops, business establishments and educational institutions in Vatakara Tehsil in Kozhikode district of Kerala remained closed following a hartal called by the Opposition parties in protest against the death of a 15-year girl student today.

Vehicular traffic, except two wheelers, were also off the road, following the hartal to mourn Vattoli National Higher Secondary School student Roopisha, who died at the Medical College Hospital here this monring.

Police said except sporadic incidents of violence, the situation in the locality was by and large peaceful so far. Security was tightened in the area.

Roopisha was admitted to the hospital after developing serious breathing problem allegedly after being administered Tetanus Toxide vaccine.

However, medical experts said the student died of a rare viral fever affecting the brain. The exact cause of her death would be known only after laboratory tests, they added.

Many students had to be hospitalised with high temperature after administration of the vaccine resulting in angry protests by parents and local people demanding action against erring officials.

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