57 affected with Chikungunya in K'taka

Madikeri, Karnataka, May 23 (UNI) As many as 57 Chikungunya cases have been reported in Kodagu district of Karnataka, even as the District Health Department is taking measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded disease.

Official sources said though initial tests were positive for the disease, the blood samples were sent to Bangalore Victoria Hospital for detailed analysis.

Of the 57 cases, 32 were reported from Sampaje village in Kodagu-Dakshina Kannada border area, Chembu, Peraje, Kudurepaya and Devarakolli villages near Samapje.

Twenty five cases were reported from Ellukochi, Chethukaaya, Chamberi and Kandathkanam near Karike village, the border area of Kerala State.

The District Health and Family Welfare Department has taken steps to prevent further spread of the disease. Some Ayurvedic doctors were also posted in the border areas.

Three health assistants, nurses and mobile vehicles have been provided in the affected areas and necessary medicines supplied.

In Sampaje, the KVJ Medical College has taken the responsibility for treatment.

The District In-charge Health Officer, Dr Mahadevaiah and Inspector Dr Satish said the disease had mainly spread from Sulya on the border of Sampaje and Panathur of Kerala on the border of Karike.

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