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Nipah virus, media reports disrupt Kerala tourist season

Friday, May 25, 2018

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Nipah virusThe Nipah virus has thrown the Kerala tourism season out of gear. However, locals and tourists believe that the situation has been exaggerated by the media.

 
Earlier this week news of the presence of the virus was first reported from Kozhikode, and now, at least 12 deaths have been confirmed to have taken place due to the “rare and deadly” virus. As the death toll is rising each day, a wave of panic has gripped the state, since the infection spreads through human contact.

 
However, locals in Kochi believe that unnecessary panic has been spread through the media which is disrupting tourism to the region. “In Northern India, it is the holiday season now, due to which we get many tourists from there. However, the news of the Nipah virus has led to almost 50 to 60% cancellation of bookings. We are also getting inquiries from Gulf countries, as the Arab holiday season is approaching. It has created unnecessary panic,” said Tourism Profession Club secretary Paul.

 
Echoing a similar thought, Ajay Kumar, a local tourist guide, said the false portrayal of the situation is hampering his business. “In Kochi, there is no need to panic as the area is safe from the virus. It (Nipah) has only spread in a small section of Kozhikode. However, the media is portraying it in such a way that tourists believe the whole of Kerala is affected by the disease. I have lost business due to this, as travellers are cancelling trips booked even for the next month,” he added.

 
However, tourists in the area, although unfazed by the virus, are taking precautionary measures in the wake of the disease. “We are trying to eat home-cooked food for our own safety. We are avoiding excessive amounts of hotel food and fruits for now. We are also planning to avoid visiting Kozhikode at this time,” a tourist said.

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