Health workers, who undertook exemplary work by risking their own lives to contain deadly Nipah Virus (NiV) infection that had claimed 17 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in Kerala, will be honoured at a public function in Kozhikode.

An all-party meet, held under the stewardship of Health Minister K K Shylaja on June 10, has decided to honour appropriately those who made all out efforts to treat the patients in isolation wards even by risking their own lives. Ministers hailing from the district T P Ramakrishnan, A K Saseendran, MLAs A Pradeep Kumar and M K Muneer have been entrusted to organise the function to be hosted by the District Panchayat and the Kozhikode Corporation, she said.

She said though anxiety relating to the deadly virus has been receded, vigil would be maintained till June end. There were about 18 positive cases, out of which 16 persons succumbed to the disease. The total figure, however, stood at 17, as one person who succumbed was not tested positive. Stating it was a success of team work, the meet hailed the State Health Department for their outstanding work and leadership to contain the virus.

The meet also decided, among others, reopening of schools and professional colleges on June 12 after summer vacation, to continue NiV cell at the government guest house till June 15, find out origin of the virus and strive for Virology labs in Kozhikode and Alappuzha, she added. Ministers Ramakrishnan, Saseendran, Mayor Thottathil Raveendran, MPs M I Shanawas, M K Raghavan, MLAs M K Muneer, A Pradeep Kumar, C K Nanu, Purushotham Kadalundi, V K C Manmad Kiya, Parakkal Abdulla, K Dasan, District Panchayat President Babu Parassery and leaders representing different political outfits attended.