Kerela is battling the deadly Nipah virus. It is spread by fruit bats that infects both animals and humans. The virus, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, is hard to diagnose. It Symptoms include fever, vomiting and headaches. It has a mortality rate of 70% and there is no vaccine.
At least nine other people have died in the outbreak in Kozhikode, formerly Calicut. Two others who have tested positive for the virus are critically ill. Some 40 people have been put into quarantine following the deaths. Health authorities across Kerala have been on alert, setting up medical camps and a control room to tackle the situation.
The latest victim to the virus is Lini Puthussery. The ‘Hero’ nurse who died battling the Nipah virus. Lini was treating a family of three who had been diagnosed with the virus. On getting the symptoms of the virus she admitted herself to hospital and asked to be quarantined. But her conditioned worsened and she died soon, leaving behind a grieving husband and two sons, aged five and two. Her last letter to her husband is viral on the social media as netizens are hailing her as a true hero.
The Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan also tweeted condolences, adding that her “selfless service will be remembered”.
Image Source: Indiatv, NDTV