Mangalore: Chikungunya isn't Fatal, but Still Claims Lives?


Mangalore: Chikungunya isn't Fatal, but Still Claims Lives?

by Melka Miyar
Pics: Arun Uppinangady

Mangalore, Jul 1: Chikungunya has gripped almost the entire Dakshina Kannada district like an epidemic, and the city is expecting quite a same situation in the coming days. News about the death of dozens of chikungunya patients has so far been received from different villages of Puttur and Sullia taluks. Medical records however, claim that nobody has died so far owing to this disease. But many persons lost their lives in the remote areas of Beltangady, Puttur and Sullia taluks. Therefore, people are very much scared of this disease and sceptipal about the health department's claim of the disease not being fatal.

According to the district health officer (DHO) Dr H Jagannath, a total of 23,644 Chikungunya cases have been reported in the district since April 2008. This disease has also spread in several villages of Mangalore taluk. About two to three Chikungunya suspected patients visit Wenlock hospital here as outpatients everyday. Therefore, Mangalore is not free from the fear of Chikungunya.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) sources, Chikungunya fever does not pose threat to life and it is not fatal. But no specific vaccine is available against this viral infection. The medicines used for other common fevers provide symptomatic cure for this disease. More than the fever, the joint pain which occurs owing to this disease is found intolerable. That is the reaon why Chikungunya patients are dreaded about the acute pain that the disease causes.

But one pertinent question remains unanswered as yet. Media has reported that many persons already died owing to this disease, in different parts of the district. But the DHO denies these reports and he clarifies that nobody has died in the district owing to Chikungunya. If DHO is correct, then how did these persons die?

At the same time, presence of Dengue fever cannot be denied, says district surgeon Dr Prabhudev who cites co-occurence and co-existence of both these fevers recently in Maharashtra state. A total of 22 Dengue cases have been reported in the district since April last. Dengue is more dangerous than Chikungunya as it has the potential to cause deaths, if it crosses beyond certain level. The vector which spreads both the diseases is the same i.e., Aedes mosquito. But the viruses are different. Therefore, some of the patients might have died owing to the co-occurrence of both the fevers at the same time, sources suspect. Meanwhile, one person has died because of Rat fever, recently. That is why it is a challenging task for the district health department to detect and eradicate Chikungunya, Dengue and Rat fever at the same time.

On the other hand, the health department is planning to control the population of mosquitoes in the city. The department is trying to clear the stagnant water in the city as it results in the breeding of mosquitoes. Because of the stringent actions taken by the health department, Malaria is under control, say the sources. A total of 3132 Malaria positive cases were reported in the city in the first six months of 2007. But it has gone down to 1896 in the first 6 months of 2008. This is only because of the effective measures taken by the health department against the builders who were responsible for the existence of stagnant water at the construction sites.

The labourers who were involved in the construction work in the city were found to be the biggest victims of Malaria in the city. If Chikungunya gains a foothold in the city, no doubt the same labourers will be the first victims of this fever. Therefore, care has to be taken to avoid the stagnation of water in the construction sites, says DHO. If the rain showers are continuous, there is no chance for the water to get stagnated in the city as the water flows continuously. But the risks increase as soon as the rainfall declines. If the locals do not take care about keeping their area free from stagnant water and filth, spread of Chikungunya is becomes imminent in the city. Therefore, role of the citizens is important than of the health department, in avoiding diseases like Chikungunya, Dengue, Rat fever and Malaria.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Dr.P.Tauro, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2008

    Thos who get fever and joint pains should go to either Ideal lab or Mangalore Biotechlab to get their blood tested to see if they have chicungunya or something else.

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  • gm hyder, krishnapura/sharjah

    Sat, Jul 05 2008

    Before spreading rumours on print or TV the media should try to educate people. Stop the blame game, one must understand we are a third world country and we do not have social/health security. Stop balming Govt or authorities. Our district is endemic to Dengue and KFD (monkey fever)both causes complications like bleeding and death.

    KFD is common in Belthangadi. One of my friend practicing doctor died due to Dengue few years back. One must see a doctor early. Imagine we are a developed district in the country but all our villagers do not have easy access to doctors GOVT/private. One more point i would like make is How chikungunya is spread? Accoding to WHO/CDC or present research material it is from Mosquito to Man.

    But I wonder may be the virus is mutated and now it has the ability to spread from person to person!! I am not qualified to comment on this, but we need urgent study and it can be done in our district with 6 medical colleages around.

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  • Abdulla Madumoole, Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Fri, Jul 04 2008

    Thank you Rajesh for your very informative comments.Also, thanks Daiji for publishing a timely article on a current issue.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • rajesh, udupi,Dubai

    Fri, Jul 04 2008

    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus, of the genus, Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.[1] There have been recent outbreaks of CHIKV associated with severe morbidity. CHIKV causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever. CHIKV manifests itself with a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The acute febrile phase of the illness lasts only two to five days.

    The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.Signs and symptoms The incubation period of Chikungunya disease is from two to four days. Symptoms of the disease include a fever up to 39 °C (102.2 °F), a petechial or maculopapular rash of the trunk and occasionally the limbs, and arthralgia or arthritis affecting multiple joints.[3] Other nonspecific symptoms can include headache, conjunctival injection, and slight photophobia. Typically, the fever lasts for two days and then ends abruptly.

    However, other symptoms, namely joint pain, intense headache, insomnia and an extreme degree of prostration last for a variable period usually for about 5 to 7 days.[3] Patients have complained of joint pains for much longer time periods depending on their age.Chikungunya virus is indigenous to tropical Africa and Asia, where it is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes, usually of the genus Aedes. CHIK fever epidemics are sustained by human-mosquito-human transmission. The word "chikungunya" is thought to derive from description in local dialect of the contorted posture of patients afflicted with the severe joint pain associated with this disease.[6] In Makonde language, Chikungunya means: « that which bends up ». The main virus reservoirs are monkeys, but other species can also be affected, including humans.Prevention

    The most effective means of prevention are those that protect against any contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes. These include using insect repellents with substances like DEET (also called NNDB or N,N'-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), icaridin (also known as picaridin and KBR3023), PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol, a substance derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree), or IR3535. Wearing bite-proof long sleeves and trousers (pants) also offers protection. In addition, garments can be treated with pyrethroids, a class of insecticides that often has repellent properties. Vaporized pyrethroids (for example in mosquito coils) are also insect repellents.

    Securing screens on windows and doors will help to keep mosquitoes out of the house. In the case of the day active Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, however, this will only have a limited effect, since many contacts between the vector and the host occur outside. Thus, mosquito control is especially important.

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  • Ibrahim A.Muloor, Muloor/Dammam

    Thu, Jul 03 2008

    chikungunya scaring general public all over the places in Mangalore and Udupi District.Concerned Authority should take prompt action to control mosquito breeding.Also Media sholud inform the public details of the desease avail of medicine.

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  • Sharief Bright, Bajpe / Dammam, Saudi Arabia

    Thu, Jul 03 2008

    I request the government medical authorities to take the issue very seriously & find out immediate remedy measure to tackle chickenguniya & dengu fever . I understand public in mangalore are not able get right medicne. Pls do the needful before it gets out of hand & do a campaign to educate people.

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  • roshan kumar, attavar/dubai

    Thu, Jul 03 2008

    The ensuing debate going on about blame game should stop. Let us be responsible and look after ourselves in better way. If each of us takes care of self, things or problems will solve. Firstly, maintain cleanliness in surrounding area.

    Secondly, take simple precautions, mosquito net, natural repellants like incense, thirdly always have a health insurance, these days if u pay 1000 per year, you get hospital cover for 1 lakh rupees. Finally, educate others these simple things. Doing the above 3, will keep any vector borne disease away and you sleep worryfree. Cheers.

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  • Vibusachi, Managlore

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    Before spreading rumours on print or TV the media should try to educate people. Stop the blame game, one must understand we are a third world country and we do not have social/health security. Stop balming Govt or authorities.

    Our district is endemic to Dengue and KFD (monkey fever)both causes complications like bleeding and death. KFD is common in Belthangadi. One of my friend practicing doctor died due to Dengue few years back. One must see a doctor early.

    Imagine we are a developed district in the country but all our villagers do not have easy access to doctors GOVT/private. One more point i would like make is How chikungunya is spread? Accoding to WHO/CDC or present research material it is from Mosquito to Man. But I wonder may be the virus is mutated and now it has the ability to spread from person to person!! I am not qualified to comment on this, but we need urgent study and it can be done in our district with 6 medical colleages around.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • mohd ansar, sullia/bellare/ksa

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    In sullia this disease started a few year back,people were suffering.  My suggestion is that each and every death,case need to be medically investigated to know the actul fact of death.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • HUBERT TELLIS, TACCODE/ABU DHABI

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    It all shows the commitment of previous and present govts commitment towards the seriousness on public health. In my opinion none of the govts have done anything enough on public health. What are the conditions of the Govt hospitals in Mangalore and sourrounding areas? Is the treatment is affordable to the poor society even in the Govt Hospitals? Is there sufficient medical staff available? Even available do they attend their duties? Do they visit the rural or remote areas?

    Poor people are compelled to by medicines from outside saying that medicines are not available. Due to poor condition of these hospitals the poor society is compelled to visit the private clinics even though they cannot afford the cost.

    How freequently the Health Minister or the Medical officials conduct regular or random inspections of the Govt. Hospitals to assess the condition? How often the Govt is organizing free health check ups? In this regard I want to really appreciate the effort of some private organizations such as Rotary Club, Lions Club and some religious organizations which conduct freequently free health check ups to all irrespective of cast, creed and religion. Rich people feel shame to visit the Govt. Hospitals. Why they derprive themselves their right.

    Dear citizens recently we have voted and selected our representatives for what purpose? It is alarming that HIV Positive cases are increasing in Mangalore. What the govt has done to prevent the society even though money is flowing like anything from the WHO?

    Dear citizens a revolution is really required from all to improve the conditions of Govt. Hospitlas. Have we done anything enough on this to prevent our socirty?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Geeta Shenoy, Udupi / UK

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    Mr. Shetty - The citizens are the reason that the politicians and officers in various deparments are making money. As responsible citizens you are all expected to see the service levels of government departments improve and NOT deteriorate. The middle class and upper class do not bother with these things and so the poor people are affected.

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  • Shetty, Puttur

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    In Puttur this disease started atleast a year back and the health/gov officials were busy making money while people were suffering. Only now when this has spread in a large scale that officials/government is waking up. There should be an enquiry why this disease was not reported and handled earlier.

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  • Roshan Madtha, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    My Observation -  Most of the death cases are dealt with Sugar or BP Patients I suspect any Medicine is not suiting for them ? Patients who got BP were attacked by Cardiac arrest ? My suggestion each and every death case need to be Medically Investigated to know the Actual fact of death. At least we can save few more lives. I still Wonder People have not raised their Voice NOW we have Stable Govt I still fear Gulf and Europe countries may put Ban for Indians to travel to abroad !!!

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  • kumar,

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    It is sad to see the plight of thousands of people suffering from Chikungunya in Dakshana Kannada. Health officials and civic bodies always lie about the deaths due to epidemics or vector-borne disease to save their faces. It is not true that chikungunya does not cause deaths. It has resulted in thousands of deaths all over the world including the islands of France. Since chikungunya affects some cells of the immune system (white blood cells essentially), the infected people are susceptible to other diseases such as the rat fever, malaria etc.

    Rat fever is highly prevalent in Dakshina Kannada district and several deaths are recorded in many hospitals every year. However, Mangalore corporation will say that there are no incidents of rat fever anywhere in Mangalore. The speed with which Chikungunya spread in many taluks is alarming. If this happens with other fatal epidemics, the situation is unimaginable.

    The Government and the health departments are either insensitive to or ill prepared to handle such outbreaks. It is foolish to think or argue that some diseases cannot cause deaths. There are always susceptible individuals in a population such as the infants, old and immunocompromised (HIV patients, alcoholics etc). It is time self help groups, local bodies etc come together to help poor people in the villages. People should be educated about the importance of drinking boiled water, using mosquito nets, keeping surroundings clean etc.

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  • Isaac, mithamogeru/cyprus

    Wed, Jul 02 2008

    Attention to residents of falnir/mithmogeru.in my Recent trip to India, I had seen these vector mosquitoes,around stagnent water bodies. Please ensure, you keep area clean, else our own family memebrs may become victim.

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