Binjharpur: A migrant worker from this area in Jajpur district, working in Kerala, died mysteriously Tuesday. He was Mantu Jena (21), son of Panchu Jena of Padasahi village under Guhali panchayat in this block. A large army of migrant workers from this state are present in Kerala and thereabouts, and their families are worried over the Nipah outbreak there.
While the reason for the death was not known immediately, family members suspect he died due to the deadly Nipah virus that has claimed more than 13 lives in recent days in Kerala. If the fear turns true, this will be the first Nipah death linked to Orissa.
Mantu had gone to work as a migrant labour in Kerala three years ago. He was recently engaged in a plywood company. While everything was fine, Mantu experienced fever and severe headache Monday night.
His friends took him to a hospital Tuesday night, but he died on the way. “The symptoms of Nipah virus are high fever, vomiting and headache. So, we suspect he died due to this viral disease,” a co-worker said.
The death of the son has left the family in distress. They are now trying to bring back the body to the village for the final rites. Mantu was the sole bread-winner for the family as his father is a mentally ill. His mother works as domestic help. Mantu was helping in the education of his two younger sisters.
After passing his plus II, he had joined Plus III, but discontinued studies and went to Kerala in search of work.
Locals sympathised with the family and pleaded with the administration to take the plywood company to task for the death and seek necessary compensation to the family.
PNN
