Battling Nipah, dying nurse wrote emotional note to husband

A day after a nursing assistant in Perambra in Kozhikode died after contracting the Nipah Virus (NiV) while treating the infected, a letter she wrote to her husband while undergoing treatment is being widely shared on social media.

Lini N (28) who died late on Sunday night had contracted the virus while working at the Perambra Taluk Hospital where Mohammed Sadik— the first victim of Nipah Virus infection in the district— was treated initially. She is survived by her husband Sajeesh who works in Bahrain and their two sons, aged five and two.

“Sajeeshetta, I’m almost on the way. I don’t think I’ll be able to see you all. Sorry. Please take good care of our children. Our child, take him with you to the Gulf. They shouldn’t be alone like our father. With lots of love, kisses,” she wrote in the note.

The note has since been shared by thousands on social media platforms along with teary farewell messages that celebrate her service.

Leaders including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have lauded Lini for her selfless service.

Health Minister K K Shailaja said the government will initiate all measures to assist Lini’s family.

On Monday, authorities had decided against handing over Lini’s body to her family and cremated the body to prevent possibilities of the virus spreading. Two other nurses of the hospital in Perambra are reported to be under treatment.

TOLL TOUCHES 10, MALAPPURAM HIT TOO

The state government has confirmed 10 deaths in two districts— eight in Kozhikode and two in Malappuram— from the NiV infection.

Two persons who were undergoing treatment in Kozhikode— Rajan (45) and Asokan (52)— died on Tuesday.

Samples collected from 18 people were sent for tests, of which 12 returned positive for NiV. Two of the infected persons are undergoing treatment.

In the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, 11 people are undergoing treatment and six are under observation.