Nipah virus: Kozhikode hospitals deserted now

KOZHIKODE: The Nipah virus outbreak has left the city hospitals almost deserted due to the fear of public to move out.   The fear-stricken people are ready to compromise on their health and do not go to hospitals to avoid contracting the virus, according to doctors. "After the outbreak was reported from the district, the number of patients coming to our hospital has declined by 30 per cent," said T. Sujesh,   an official of COMTRUST eye hospital here.  

The number of patients has come down to 100 from 500 previously.  Though it is better to avoid public places during such a situation, people should not sit at home if they encounter health issues just because of the fear of virus spread, he added. Over  20 hospitals function in and around the city, which are nearly empty now, according to the officials here. This has affected the hospital business also 
by over 50 per cent.

Activities halted at CU campus

The Calicut University campus which is known for its round the clock activities wears a deserted look these days. There is a strict direction to suspend all classes, and it has closed all hostels till June 6 due to Nipah virus threat. Majority of hostellers have left for home, but those from outside the state and a few researchers are still staying on the campus.  "Even though the food is available at hostel mess many of us find it difficult to eat as it is fasting month," says Sajna K.P., a research scholar.

The varsity has also postponed exams including entrance tests for the postgraduate programmes till that date.  "This time demands certain isolations and precautions and students who have taken special permission from their department heads are only allowed to stay at the campus," said Dr P. Mohan, pro-vice-chancellor.

Although academic activities have stopped, the administrative block, Pareeksha Bhavan and the CH Muhammed Koya Library are functioning as usual. But there is a considerable decrease in the number of visitors.  "Groups of students from various other universities used to come here for reference especially during this vacation. But they are missing this time,"  says Abdul Azeez, the university librarian.