Panic over Nipah Virus: Death toll rises to 17; Staff of Kozhikode hospital relieved of duties

Doctors in Kerala on Thursday said that a man had succumbed to the Nipah virus, taking the toll to 17, reports said.

The latest victim has been identified as Rashin, a 25-year-old resident of Neduvannur, who was being treated at the Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital. It is learnt that Rashid had been shifted to Kozhikode Medical College on May 26 from Balussery Taluk Hospital following severe fever and symptoms of Nipah. Rasin is reported to have been in the list of those who were in contact with the first victims of Nipah.

Suspecting a second wave of the infection, the authorities have scaled up the number of people, who are under observation for Nipah Virus to 1407.

On Wednesday, two people - P Madhusudhanan (55) and Akhil (28), a native of Karassery, who had contracted the deadly virus passed away in the Kozhikode Medical College where they were undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, a Staff of Kozhikode hospital has been relieved of duties, amid panic over Nipah virus. He has been quaratined after treating Nipah patients.