Muvattupuzha: Five women who used to live in an old age home at Muvattupuzha lost their lives over the last two weeks. The old women are said to have succumbed to a mysterious infection. Kamalam (72) and Eliamma Scariah (70), who passed away on Saturday were the latest victims of the deadly infection. The skin on the left legs of the deceased had peeled off; pus was oozing out the swollen legs producing a foul smell. Sneham charitable trust is running the old age home.  

Amina Pareed (86), who lived at the facility, had succumbed to a similar infection last Thursday. Elianna George (76) and Lakshmi Kuttappan (78) also had passed away on July 15 and 19 respectively.

The dead bodies were moved to Kalamassery hospital for postmortem after police examination. The samples from the infected legs of the deceased have been sent to the lab. Mediacl team are awaiting the results. The old age home, which is in a dilapidated condition, will be temporarily shut down. 

Six residents of the old age home who were showing similar symptoms have been shifted to Muvattupuzha general hospital.  

The municipal corporation has allotted Rs 8 lakhs for renovating the facility. The responsibility of running the old age home has been transferred to the Pathanapuram Gandhi Bhavan. 

The fitness certificate of the old age home which housed 24 senior citizens expired last year.