Vishraj Maharaj, one of the swine flu victims, was said to be popular man in his community, but yesterday only 60 mourners turned up at his funeral service.
Fearful that they might contract the virus, some of the mourners even used their hands and rags to cover their faces. Maharaj, 30, a truck driver, was among the first three patients to die from complications caused by the virus, at San Fernando General Hospital. Maharaj, who had ten siblings, lived with his mother and other relatives at Realize Road in Barrackpore where the funeral service was held.
He died six days after he fell ill. During that time, his family members had physical contact with him and some of them were exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
His 13-year-old nephew is warded at the hospital. Approximately 20 members of this family shared two respiratory masks when they visited Maharaj in the Intensive Care Unit before he died on Tuesday, one relative said. When the casket arrived at the house, his mother Sylvia Balgobin and siblings rushed to the body, hugging and kissing him.
His mother said, "Son how you go leave me and go? Who go see about me?" His sister Usha recalled that after their father died he took charge, taking on the responsibilities. Describing him as a jolly person, she said he worked day and night to ensure that his family was well taken care of. He had no wife or children. The family comforted each other during the service which was officiated by Pundit Krishna. After the service the body was cremated at the Shore of Peace.
