Kerala nurse Lini Puthussery, who was tending to patients diagnosed with the Nipah virus, lost her life on Monday, 21 May, after getting exposed to the deadly virus.

Lini, who worked at Perambra Taluk Hospital, was one of the three nurses who had fallen sick and showing symptoms of the highly contagious disease.

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According to the local media, a report on her blood and fluid samples is yet to be released. It is suspected that the Kerala nurse died after contracting the virus. Lini reportedly fell sick a few days ago when she was treating two brothers who were the first victims of the virus.

Before her demise, Lini penned an emotional letter for her husband who works in Bahrain. She wrote: “Sajeeshetta, am almost on the way. I don’t think I will be able to see you again. Sorry. Please take care of our children. Poor Kunju (term of endearment for their son), please take him to the Gulf with you. Don’t leave them and go like (my) father did. Please. With lots of love… Kisses.”

Also Read | What is Nipah virus? Read symptoms and treatment

Lini wrote her feelings down fearing that she won’t be able to meet her husband one last time. As a precautionary measure, Lini’s body was cremated at an electronic crematorium in a bid to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter and expressed his condolence over the demise of Lini.

CM condoled over the demise of Lini, the nurse who died of infection while taking care of Nipah virus affected patients. It is saddening to know that she lost her life while serving others. Her selfless service will be remembered. pic.twitter.com/RaE973xRJ2

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) May 22, 2018

On 16 May, she went to work and joined duty at 6 pm. She reportedly developed a fever that night. Suspecting that she was infected by the Nipah virus, she was reportedly confined to an isolated ward.

Lini is survived by two sons Rithul (5) and Sidharth (2).

According to latest reports, one more person succumbed to the Nipah virus, taking the official toll to six. Reportedly, 20 news patients suspected of being infected by the virus are now being treated at Kozhikode Medical College.