08-10-2007, 08:33 AM
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,335
|
|
After 40 years, chikungunya bites Kolkata; 800 hit
Researchers at Indian Council of Medical Research have confirmed that at least four blood samples from different parts of the city have tested positive for the disease.
While it has not spread to alarming proportions inside the city just yet, in Habra – located in the adjacent district of North 24 Parganas - symptoms of the disease have been detected in hundreds of people over the last fortnight.
Over 750 people in Habra have already reported to government health centres with high fever, skin rashes and severe joint pains.
A few health camps, running with local support, are clearly inadequate to tackle the pressure. At least 26 out of the 31 blood samples sent from this region have tested positive for the disease.
"We have seen last year, when there was an outbreak of Chikungunya in Baduria. This is similar, almost similar,” says Chief Medical Officer of North 24 Parganas, Kusum Kumar Adhikary.
But it's only now that preventive measures are being taken.
"The situation is more or less under control. Those affected earlier are now on the healing course, but fresh contamination is also taking place,” says Member of Kumra Kashipur Gram Panchayat, Swapan Roychowdhury.
Given that the recovery period can stretch up to a month, the victims – mostly from financially weaker sections - are awaiting government relief.
|
Similar Threads
Linear Mode
