Chikungunia fear grips Andaman Islands

Port Blair, Sep 19 (UNI) After several cases of Chikungunia were reported from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the disease has gripped several parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with South Andaman being the worst affected.

Despite several efforts of the Health Department, Chikunguniya has spread to several parts of the territory.

Chikungunia, a disease spread by the bite of culex mosquito (aedes aegypti), causes severe arthritis problems like general muscular and joint pains.

Official figures reveal that more than 3,000 patients have been affected by this disease, but as they do not go to hospitals or Primary Health Centres , the exact number was difficult to figure out.

''We are organising medical camps in every nook and corner here and in rural areas,'' Director of Andaman Health Services Dr N Sadasivan said.

Several cases of the disease were reported from far off islands like Diglipur, Mayabunder and Rangat and Campbell Bay, the Southernmost landmass of Indian Territory.

According to officials, about three cases have been reported from Teressa and one in Car Nicobar.

However, the actual figures from other remote areas could not be obtained.

Hundreds of cases have been detected in medi-camps and medicines are being distributed to the affected areas, official sources said.

Efforts were being made to make the people aware of the disease and precautions needed to be taken, health officials said.

Several hospitals and PHC's are flooded with Chikunguniya patients.

''We are doing our best and UNICEF is also helping to distribute mosquito nets to the islanders,'' Dr Sadasivan said.

Dr Sadasivan told UNI, fever with severe headache, joint pains, soar throat, nausea and vomiting are the symptoms of the disease.

He also informed that the disease was originated in Tanzania in Africa and in India a massive outbreak was reported in Karnataka in 1973.

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