1.5 lakh people affected from viral fever in North Kerala

Malappuram/Kozhikode, July 29 (ANI): Lakhs of people in five districts of Kerala, especially the northern regions, are suffering from viral fever mainly caused by mosquito bite during monsoon season.

Nearly, ten people have died so far in these regions. According to the health reports, more than 1.5 lakh people in five regions are affected in just few days and the government is taking all necessary steps to check the spread of the disease.

Special camps have been arranged and extra doctors have been deputed to these regions. The severely affected districts of Kerala are Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayand, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Many cases of Dengue fever, Chikunguniya, and Hepatitis have also been reported.

The symptoms differ as per the region and the doctors say that this can be attributed as mosquito borne communicable diseases or viral fever with severe body pain.

Dr. Abdul Samad, Superintendent of District Hospitalin Malapuram, said "after monsoon the number of people affected from fever is fast increasing specially in June and July. Compared to last month, 100 times increase has been reported, it is not a usual viral fever, the afflicted are showing symptoms of heavy pain and swelling with rashes."

"We can attribute that its chikangunnya and like viral diseases which is spreading in these regions," he said.

Till July 28, the number of patients had crossed 11 lakh starting from January this year.

Hundreds of people afflicted with fever and acute joint pains, belong mostly from hilly hamlets and tribal areas throng in huge numbers to nearby hospitals for faster relief.

Patients' complain of headache and joint pain and have not experienced such fever earlier.

"Whole body in under severe pain. Many part of body have swollen and become red. I cannot stand and walk so my children helped me to the hospital. Doctor says that after medication it will be all right. I never experienced such pain," said Ansuma Bevi, a patient at the Malappuram Hospital.

The district administration has moved into crisis management mode and has ordered to distribute free ration for families whose breadwinner have fallen sick. (ANI)