Nipah virus: Death toll rises to 14 in Kerala, sales of fruits plummet

The death toll of the Nipah Virus outbreak that has put Kerala on high alert over the last two weeks has reached 14. One more death was reported in Kerala's Calicut due to Nipah Virus on Sunday.

Nine people suspected of carrying the virus have been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College, reported Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi.

State Minister of Health and Social Welfare K K Shailaja said on Sunday that the health department has put at least 175 people, including family members of those infected by the virus, under observation.

Most cases have been reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram and fresh instances of Nipah virus have come down.

Last week, following the rising cases of the virus, the state's health department issued an advisory for people traveling to the state and urged travelers to be extra cautious while visiting Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur districts.

Meanwhile, the fruit sellers are severely affected by the outbreak of the virus. Their sales have gone down as people are avoiding buying fruits fearing they may be infected.

For those unversed, Nipah virus, spread by fruit bats, causes communicable disease and is fatal for both animals and humans. The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation and mental confusion. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.