Kozhikode(Ker), May 24: The death toll due to Nipah rose to 11 in Kerala, with one more person succumbing to the deadly virus here this morning.
The deceased, V Moosa (61), had been battling for life since the past few days in a private hospital here and was on ventilator support.
Kozhikode district medical officer, Dr Jayasree E told reporters.
About 160 samples have been sent for testing at the virology institute and 13 cases have been found to be positive, she said.
Of the 13 confirmed cases, 11 people have died so far.
The official further said confirmation is awaited with regard to one more death in Kozhikode.
This is the fourth death in Moosa’s family.Moosa’s sons Mohammed Saliah (28), Mohammed Sadiq (26) and a relative Mariumma had died earlier.
While two of the deaths have been confirmed due to Nipah, the blood samples of one of his sons had not been tested for the virus, sources said.
Nurse Lini Puthussery, who had initially treated members of Moosa’s family who had been affected at Perambra Taluk hospital in the district, also died after being infected by the virus.
The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur.
“Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts,” Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said.
The government has also called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on May 25 to discuss the issue.
