Daijiworld Media Network – Belthangady (VM)

Belthangady, Aug 24: B Vishwanath (17), son of Soma Mughera of Boodumughera in Hathyadka village died due to a respiratory illness but a rumour was spread that he was a victim of rat fever here on Thursday, August 23.

Vishwanath was pursuing his first year PU at Gurudeva PU College and was suffering from stomach pain with fever for around 2 days. Following this he was admitted to a hospital at Puttur. He was later shifted to Wenlock hospital.

The body of Vishwanath was taken home and a blood mark was visible on his nose which gave rise to further doubt.

MLA Vasanth Bhangera and Krishnappa Poojary visited the house and offered their condolences. The academic examination was also postponed in the college.

Dr Rajesh, district Malaria control officer in his reports said that Vishwanath died due to respiratory problems and not because of rat fever.

Dr Kalamadhu, taluk health inspector said that the taluk has not witnessed any rat fever cases as of yet. Victims of rat fever at Kadirudyavara and Ilanthila are healed. All together around 17 dengue cases have been recorded in the taluk, he informed.