Death of Moosa was confirmed at a private hospital where he was being treated. Earlier this month, his two sons and another relative also died due to the virus infection. They were the first cases of Nipah reported last week.
Although the number of patients coming for treatment with symptoms of the Nipah virus infection has gone down, Kozhikode collector U V Jose has banned till May 31 all public meetings and even training courses, including tuitions, to avoid assembly of people.
The University of Calicut yesterday announced postponement of all examinations listed for this week. A public service examination has also been deferred in view of the current situation in the district.
The health department yesterday said that a total of 160 samples were sent for testing to Pune. Of the 22 results that came, 14 are positive.
Adding to the 14, a woman nursing student at Kozhikode is reported to have become the latest person to test positive for the infection.
The Kozhikode Medical College has 136 patients and in nearby Malappuram district 24 patients are under observation.
The authorities have, in the meantime, come out with a protocol to be carried out when the last rites of Nipah victims are performed.
While cremation is favoured as the best method to stop the further spread of infection, in case families opt for burial, the body would have to be covered in a polythene bag and then put into a deep pit.
A large number of medical professionals and health experts deputed by the Centre, state government and the private sector are working in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. They are meeting those under observation, besides running awareness programmes, an official said.
