Chikunguniya toll increases to 57

Alappuzha, Kerala Oct 1 (UNI) Four more suspected Chikunguniya deaths were reported from the Cherthala taluk here today, taking the toll to 57.

The deceased were identified as Vijayamma, 76, of Cherthala, Ramachandran, 59, of Kanjikuzhy panchayat, Vasu, 78, of Kadakkrappally panchayat and Kuttappan, 72, of Pattanakkad panchayat.

While Vijayamma and Vasu died at the Cherthala taluk hospital, the other two died at their home.

More than 400 people were admitted at the taluk hospital with symptoms of Chikunguniya.

Kerala Health Minister P K Sreemathy, who visited the area yesterday, has directed the medical staff to be present in the hospital even on holidays.

Meanwhile, some suspected cases of Chikunguniya have been reported from the Vypeen and Vadakkekara areas of Ernakulam district. The blood samples were being sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) in Delhi to confirm the disease, district health officials said.

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