Kerala health authorities issue alert after 2 'unnatural' deaths due to fever in Kozhikode

The Kerala Health Department has alerted the Kozhikode district after two 'unnatural' deaths that took place due to fever at a private hospital on Monday.

The two deaths are suspected to be due to Nipah Virus and relatives of one of the deceased are in the ICU, stated the health department. On this matter, a high-level meeting was conducted and chaired by Kerala Health Minister Veena George.

Earlier in 2018, there was a Nipah outbreak in the Kozhikode and Malappuram districts and later in 2021, a case of Nipah was reported in Kozhikode.

What does WHO say?

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah Virus is caused due to fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals. Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea. 

(With ANI inputs, more details awaited)