States alerted after rising Chikungunya cases

June 15: Chikungunya, the fatal viral disease that has claimed 52 lives so far in India, has forced the state officials in the country to raise the alarm of further dealing with any serious crisis.

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So far Kerala is the most affected state with more than 40 deaths and over 8,000 cases reported in the state. According to health department, nearly 12,000 cases have been reported as being caused by the virus but only 286 cases have been confirmed so far. The administration doesn’t want to take any chance and start premature awareness about the disease.

Health officials in the state say, “Most of the patients came with ordinary fever but after complete checkup and tests Chikungunya is reported.” Doctors claim that the disease is not a serious one but can be fatal if proper treatment is not received on time. One more thing that has caused much fear in the minds of the public is that the disease may spread as a mosquito born disease and be an epidemic taking a heavy toll.

Caused by alpha virus the disease is spread by the Aedes Aygepti mosquito. Last year the outbreak pressed the panic button across the country after more than 1600 people were tested positive for the disease. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were the most affected states last year but this year it is been reported in seven states with more cases in Kerala, Gujarat (2,264), Tamil Nadu, Maharastra and Orissa.

Bearing in mind the spread of this disease the Union Health Minister has announced Rs 4 crore package for the state to deal with the outbreak.

High fever, headache, vomiting, joint pain, nausea, fatigue, swelling are some of the symptoms of Chikungunya. Fever may continue for three to four days; however joint pain and headache may vary from 5 days to a week. According to Dr. Manash Ranjan Biswal, the disease is not much serious but may prove fatal at any time.

As far its treatment is concerned, there is not a recommended treatment but doctors prescribe medicines after considering various symptoms. Blood sample tests and other serological tests can only dictate the virus. However, mosquito preventive measures can only help to stop its outbreak.