25,000 patients undergoing treatment for fever: Sreemathy

Thiruvananthapuram, May 31 (UNI) Kerala Health Minister P K Sreemathy today said one-fourth of the 25,000 in-patients undergoing treatment for fever in various government hospitals in the state were suspected to be affected with chikungunya.

Talking to the newspersons here, along with Local Administration Minister Paloli Mohammedkutty, she said a massive cleaning drive would be organised in the state from June five to 12 to control mosquitos.

The service of school and college students, hospital staff and voluntary organisations would be sought for the cleaning drive.

She said Rs 2 crore had been sanctioned for purchasing fogging machines and mosquito nets in affected areas.

Earlier, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the state Cabinet today decided to distribute free ration for a month for those families affected with chikungunya.

UNI