MCD considering alert to brain fever

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) The Municipal Council of Delhi (MCD) is considering to announce an alert acloss the national capital if more case of Meningococcemia disease or brain fever are reported over the next few days.

MCD sources said since the number of Meningococcemia cases was relatively high this year and 17 people had died so far the officials were considering to sound an alert.

''The authorities don't want to take any chances and are considering the move,'' they added.

With one more person succumbing to brain fever last night the death toll has risen to 17.

So far 171 cases of meningococcemia disease have been confirmed in Delhi since December 2005 till, MCD officials said, adding that the prevailing climatic conditions are the main reason for the numbers.

They said the disease would subside in summer as extreme temperatures did not favour its incubation.

''The frequency of the diseases, caused by bacteria, is more because it has not been eradicated... The figure includes private, and government hospitals as well as nursing homes,'' they added.

Brain fever is characterised by fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and severe rash on the limbs. The infection affects membrane around the brain.

The MCD officials said the numbers also include patients from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

''Our transit population is very vast... Delhi Health Services caters to people Rajasthan, Haryana and even Uttaranchal besides the NCR region,'' they added.

Doctors have advised people to get immediate medical attention for the potentially fatal condition and avoid close contact with family.

Last year, around 214 brain fever cases were reported between April and June.

UNI NR MA DB2034