An expert team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) visited Thirurangadi, Kerala on March 20 to hold more detailed study of the West Nile Virus (WNV) and interact with the health officials.

It was on March 18 last that a seven-year old boy of A R Nagar from Thirurangadi, who was infected with WNV early this month, had died at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Human infection is most often the result of bites from infected culex mosquitoes.Consequent to the confirmation of WNV, an expert team of Health officials had on Thursday last visited the Shan's house in Thirurangadi and had inspected the wells and nearby areas. The team, who found some wells with mosquito presence, had cautioned the people to be alert against the menace.

The ICMR team had inspected the wells and nearby places in Venniyoor and A R Nagar and had collected samples of mosquitoes and bird droppings. The result of this is expected to be available for further study by March 18 next. Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Entomology are expected to arrive in Malappuram by this evening to hold discussions with the district health officials in the collectorate.