Two more die of suspected Chikangunya fever

Alappuzha, Kerala, Sep 21 (UNI) Two more suspected Chikungunya deaths were reported today from the Cherthala area of this district taking the death toll to 24.

District Medical officials said Lisamma (67), a resident of Cherthala municipal ward and K K Padmanabhan (84) from Vattackal died this morning of the suspected disease.

Yesterday, Purushan (68) and Pankajaskshy (86) both of Thanneermukkom panchayat and Divakaran (82) from Mararikulam in this district died of the suspected disease.

Around 600 people were undergoing treatment at the taluk hospital in Cherthala. Nearly 200 people were affected with the suspected disease in the neighbouring Ambalappuzha and Kayamkulam taluks.

The test results of the blood samples of affected people were awaited, the officials added.

The doctors were still in the dark for an effective treatment for the viral fever affecting people in the region.

The Deputy Medical Officer Jagan Mohan said the patients needed thorough prognosis. Apart from providing treatment, an awareness programme should be chalked out to prevent the spread of the disease, Dr Mohan added.

UNI XR MA PA RAI1954