Private hospitals flooded with Chikun Gunya patients

Akola, July 17 (UNI) Private hospitals in the western Vidarbha region, comprising of Akola, Buldhana and Washim districts, are flodded with patients suffering from diseases like Chikun Gunya, according to hospital sources.

Various patients, four from Akot, two from Telhara and one from Ghusar died of disease like Chikun Gunya or Langda Bukhar, sources said. High fever, headache, body ache and severe joint pain are the prominent symptoms of the disease.

However, the Health Department is maintaining that the patients are suffering from viral fever and not from Chikun Gunya. Akola District Collector Mr Eknath Davle visited the severely-hit Akot tehsil town hospitals and inquired about people's health.

Meanwhile, more than 7,000 patients took the benefit of a three-day Chikun Gunya diagnosis and treatment camp organised by the Akola district Youth Congress, at Akot tehsil town here.

"The report of 150 blood samples sent to Pune is still awaited.

The government machinery failed to control the disease with meagre medicines and non-availability of health experts at primary health centres, rural hospitals", the sources added.

UNI XR GB AG1657