Overview
- Ratheesh, 45, from Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad, died on Saturday at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital after more than a week of treatment.
- Health officials say this is the fourth death in less than a month linked to the current cluster, and Kerala has recorded 42 cases this year.
- Eleven patients remain under care at the Kozhikode facility, including one reported in critical condition, and one patient was discharged on Friday.
- The Health Department has issued special treatment guidelines and expanded PCR and microscopy capacity to speed up detection.
- Authorities are intensifying chlorination of wells, tanks and public water bodies, conducting source testing, and urging people to avoid nasal exposure to untreated freshwater.