ASIA/INDIA - In a fishing village of mainly Catholic families at least 70 people die in an outbreak of chikungunya fever. Disease spread by culicine mosquitoes

Friday, 6 October 2006

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - In the last three weeks the southern Indian state of Kerala has been affected by an outbreak of chikungunya fever, similar to dengue. The disease is spread by culicine mosquitoes
About 60,000 people have been admitted to hospital with symptoms of this rare form of viral fever. In a fishing village of mainly Catholic families at least 70 people died of the disease. The village is in Alappuzha district where there are many stagnant water pools in which mosquitoes thrive.
The people in the area are mainly Catholics and local parishes are working with other organisations to face the emergency.
“Our parishes are visiting the area distributing medicine giving emergency medical care”, said Bishop Stephan Athipozhiyil.
The diocese is working with the authorities to ensure assistance for people in difficulty in health centres and hospitals. “The situation is concerning - the Bishop - as the virus spreads”.
The number of deaths continues to rise and the World Health Organisation has sent experts to deal with the emergency.
Chikungunya fever is not usually mortal but in the last three months in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu at least 300 deaths were reported to be connected with thr disease. In Tamil Nadu in July numerous cases were reported in the northern districts of Maturai and Tirunelveli.
Chikungunya fever limits movement and can lead to immobility and bending of body. Symptoms appear within eights days of the mosquito bite.
See info http://www.fides.org/ita/sanita/
(AP) (6/10/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:26; Parole:277)


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