KERALA RAVAGED BY FEVER EPIDEMIC
The fever epidemic is ravaging Kerala for the last two months. Hundreds have died and thousands of families, particularly daily-wage earners are struggling from general weakness of mind and body . Babies, school children, young adults and senior citizens are finding it difficult to sit, lie down, stand straight and walk.
According to official estimates, around 30,000 people are down with viral fever in Pathanamthitta district and 88,000 in Kottayam district alone, and it is spreading fast to other districts of Kerala.
The economy of Kerala, especially of the worst affected districts, has been severely stricken as recovering patients find it too weak to work for a long time.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito (Tiger Mosquito). Chikungunya virus is highly infective and disabling but is not transmissible between people.
Dengue Fever
Is an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4 causes the above fever.
The origin?
1.) The summer spreading over three hot months in kerala have resulted in extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors mosquetos.
2.) During rainy season the duration of their survival is longer and risk of spreading is greater.
How is it diagnosed?
Sudden severe headache, chills, fever, joint and muscle pain are the commonest symptoms. The diagnostic tests include detection of antigens or antibodies in the blood.
How to prevent?
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Improved water supply
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Mosquito proofing of overhead tanks
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Cisterns or underground reservoirs
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Bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed
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Protective clothing
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Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill
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Emptying, drying water structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector
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Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses
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A person with chikungunya fever should limit their exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the infection, and should stay indoors or under a mosquito net.
How is it treated?
While supportive or palliative medical care with anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics is available, there is no specific treatment for chikungunya.
1.) Medicinal tablets like Paracetamol and vitamin B-complex have been prescribed.
2.) Patients have to consume lot of fluids.
3.) Symptoms can be countered through painkillers
( Please forward this information to all your friends and help to stop this outbreak, Log on to http://vinodsite.b0x.com for more articles by Vinod Kuriakose)
