KOZHIKODE/KOCHI: With the death toll caused by the deadly Nipah Virus rising, severe psychosis has gripped people as nurses are being ostracised and staff at a crematorium reluctant to cremate the body of a victim. In a shocking incident, when nurses from Perambra taluk hospital in Kozhikode entered a bus, rest of the passengers protested and got off the vehicle. In another case, Nadakkavu police registered a case against two workers of Mavoor Road Crematorium, who allegedly showed reluctance to cremate the body of a Nipah victim.
Kozhikode district medical officer Dr Jayshree Vasudevan highlighted the need for awareness campaigns. “People are scared and reacting due to fear,” she said. Hospital staff and people in contact with the patients are being aggressively isolated. Sociologists said the reaction is out of fear and their immediate need to protect themselves and family from getting infected. Sociologist Baby Shireen said, “What is happening now is that with increased awareness, we are trying to avoid the people directly or indirectly associated with the problem. Lots of misinformation is circulating. Also, it is easier to avoid people than work on strengthening our immune system.”
