A total of 68 people are under isolation for Nipah virus in Government Medical College in Kozhikode district of Kerala, said Kerala Health Minister Veena George. She said that all the patients are stable. The minister said that of the samples collected from people listed during contact tracing of the Nipah virus victim, 30 have tested negative so far. The minister has been camping in Kozhikode for the past four days since the first case of the Nipah virus was reported in the district. A 12-year-old boy died after getting infected by Nipah in Kozhikode. A total of 251 persons were listed during contact tracing. Of these, 129 were health workers and 54 were in the high-risk category. Of the total contacts identified, 11 were symptomatic. Of the 54 high-risk categories, 30 were health workers. These health workers were from one clinic and four hospitals, including MCH, Kozhikode. Earlier, the Central government had rushed a public health team to the Kozhikode district of Kerala as the state reported the first death due to the Nipah virus this year.
Tamil is the language of Gods, says Madras HC
Hailing Tamil as the "Language of Gods," the Madras High Court has said temple consecrations across the country should be done reciting Tamil hymns composed by saints like Azhwars and Nayanmars, besides others like Arunagirinathar. A bench of Justice N Kirubakaran, since retired, and Justice B Pugalendhi, in a recent order also said that in our country "it is made to believe that Sanskrit alone is Gods'' language." The court was hearing a petition seeking consecration of a temple in Karur district in the state seeking direction to government authorities, including the Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment to conduct consecration of Arulmigu Pasupatheshwara Swamy Tirukovil by chanting Thirumuraikal, Tamil Saiva Manthiram (hymns) and also songs of Saint Amaravathi Aatrangarai Karurar.
