100 Cases of Chikungunya in Pune

Having already infected 19 districts of Maharashatra, Chikujgunya has now visited Pune according to the National Institute of Virology after 100 of the 250 samples from various hospitals tested positive for the fever.

'Chikangunya' death toll reaches 12 in Madhya Pradesh

To date 12 lives have been lost in Betul. 'With three more deaths Sunday - two from remote Dunava and one from Multai - the total number of deaths allegedly due to Chikangunya fever in Betul district has reached 12,' a source in the medical industry said on 6th July 2006.

The source continued:

'The dead include a 10-year-old girl, Preeti, and a senior citizen and freedom fighter, Laxman Singh Parihar. Over a dozen others are in critical condition with no signs of improvement even after regular medical aid. Chikangunya, affecting over 60,000 odd population, is now spreading to other districts - Chhindwara, Badwani and Burhanpur. However, 70 blood samples have been dispatched to New Delhi-based National Institute of Communicable Diseases and a report is expected next week.'

Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi admitted that Chhindwara, Badwani and Burhanpur were affected with the fever. And commented: 'The situation is under control and even the Maharashtra government has praised my department's rapid action to tackle the disease.'

Copyright:
Indo-Asian News Service

Government Stepping Up Chikungunya Action

The Health Minister R. Ashok, The Mayor of Bangalore and others have initiated measures to combat the spread of Chickungunya.

One tactic was the production of posters designed to create awareness of the disease. The only issue is that they'll be put up in hostpitals and primary health centres. We hope they're also recreated in newspapers.

Furthermore, the Health Minister has also ordered the purchase of 100 extra fogging machines to help prevent the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which spreads the disease.

They also asked Health officials to visit the hospitals to see if they have sufficient stocks of medicines to combat the symptoms.

Ashok commented on the campaign: "I have asked the department as well as MLAs and corporators to spread awareness about chikungunya among the public. College students are being made aware of the disease and its symptoms so that people are not misled."

Picture:
The Hindu

Doctors suspended for not visiting chikungunya-hit areas

Seven doctors in Mandhya Pradesh have been suspended after they didn't arrive for work in an area affected by Chikungunya.

On that day ten doctors were asked to reprort for work but on three turned-up in the area neighbouring Betul district where 30,000 people have been affected in 120 villages.

The virus has only recently been discovered in Mandhya Pradesh and spread from Betul.

‘A victim of chikungunya gets fever, which can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit. After an incubation period of three-12 days, there is a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, including severe headache, chills, nausea, vomiting and joint pain,’ said S.C. Tiwari, Hamidia Hospital superintendent.

‘A rash may occur sometimes and arthritis affects multiple joints, which can be debilitating. Most patients recover within three-five days. Some can suffer from joint pain for months. The joints of the extremities in particular become swollen and painful to touch. Children may display neurological symptoms,’ Tiwari said.

‘The situation is being regularly monitored and every step is being taken to curb the disease. Required medicines are being supplied in ample quantity. Arrangements for spraying insecticide to kill the mosquitoes is also being dministered in all the affected areas,’ state Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi told IANS.