AP data shows Chikungunya declining: NVBDCP Director

Hyderabad, June 26 (UNI) National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Director (New Delhi) P L Joshi today said the current data of Andhra Pradesh showed that viral disease Chikungunya was declining.

Speaking to newspersons here after reviewing the situation of Chikungunya with state Health Minister K Rosaiah, Dr Joshi said reports of cases of Chikungunya started in the state from December 2005.

''As of now the suspected cases of Chikungunya were 52,000 in Andhra Pradesh, 1,86,449 in Maharashtra and 2,26,374 in Karnataka,'' he informed.

Chikungunya was mosted reported in March-April in all the states except Tamil Nadu, he added.

Though the data from Andhra Pradesh showed that the disease was on the decline, sustained and intensified control measures were required in each and every village to effectively contain the disease within a short period of time, he pointed out.

Dr Joshi said the state government had taken up necessary steps as per the guidelines of the Directorate of NVBDCP regarding reduction of mosquito breeding sources, use of 'temephos larvicide inn' recommended dose, use of larvivorus fish for symptomatic treatment and deployment of mobile teams (three teams per district in the affected districts) and mobilization of health workers and volunteers.

Dr C K Rao of WHO said Chikungunya was a viral disease transmitted by Aedes Mosquitoes. There was no specific drug to cure the infection. ''The disease is self limiting and it may take five to seven days. No death has been reported from any of the affected states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh,'' he informed.

Dr Rao said that symptoms of Chikungunya could be alleviated by taking rest and using pain relieving drugs like paracetamol, taking plentyof fluids and normal diet.

UNI ASJ ROY MSJ RK2002