Chikun gunya, a viral fever common in Africa, has struck parts of Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin Districts in Tamil Nadu
'Chikun gunya', a viral fever common in Africa, has struck parts of Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin Districts in Tamil Nadu, prompting health department officials to take steps to contain them.
The disease, which could have been transmitted by 'aedes mosquitoes, had been reported in Tamil Nadu for the first time, Deputy Director of Health Services Dr.Liyqquat Ali said.While in Ramanathapuram district about 700 people had been affected in S.P.Pattinam and Thondi, both coastal areas, in Tuticorin district 600 people had been affected in Tuticorin, Vilathikulam, Kovilpatti and Sathankulam by the disease which caused sudden chillness, high fever, severe pain and swelling in the joints, headache and nausea.
He said the fever could be cured with paracetamol, anti-analgesic, anti-inflammatory and other supporttive drugs.
A team of officials from the Health department are camping in the affected areas to control and prevent its spread. Precautionary measures had been taken in both the districts.
Entomologists and officials from Malaria Control Programme also visited the affected areas. Serum samples had been sent to the Vector Control and Research Centre at Hosur.
Special health camps had been set up to treat the affected people.
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