5 more suspected Chikunguniya deaths in Cherthala

Alappuzha, Oct 2 (UNI) Five more people died of suspected Chikunguniya fever in Cherthala taluk here today, taking the death toll to 62.

While Ashokan (46) of Thuravoor panchayat and Chellappan (72) of Mararikulam died at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital, Pavithran (51) of Panavally panchayat, T K Ponnammal (65) of Thykkattussery panchayat and Kesav Pillai (82) of Cherthala municipal area, died at home.

Meanwhile, state Finance Minister K P Rajendran, Health Minister P K Shreemathy and BJP state President Shridharan Pillai today visited Cherthala taluk hospital, where over 400 patients were admitted.

Criticising the government for not taking adequate steps to contain the disease, Mr Pillai said the official machinery had 'completely failed' to tackle the situation.

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