Karnataka village affected by chukungunya

Mysore, June 12 (UNI) Hundreds of the people at Pushapagiri in Belavatha village on the outskirts of the city were suffering from suspected Chikungunya disease.

The village had population of 7,000 in which 1,000 persons were found suffering from severe joint pain, fever, shivering and giddiness and it was clearly the indication and symptoms of the chikungunya cases.

Dr Sunitha, a Governor ayurvedic hospital in the area told reporters that herself and a nurse was going around all the houses since a week administering preventive and curative medicines to the affected and it was only suspected cases. "We have drawn about 150 blood smears and sent them for the testing in a laboratory in Bangalore.

The area had a water tank which received water hardly twice in a month. The stagnant water breeds mosquitoes. The residents alleged that the area was neglected and no corporation official visited the place. Even the gram panchyat members were also affected by the virus.

Meanwhile taluk health officer Dr K H Prasad confirmed the suspected cases, however, the surveillance was going on the affected areas. The samples of blood had already sent for testing.

Deputy commissioner S Selva Kumar said the district authorities would take all precautionary measures in such areas and necessary medicines would also be supplied. Even though the situation was not alarming one, however, the authorities have been asked to take suitable steps immediately to check further increase, he added.

UNI