Defence medical team to reach Kerala today to combat chikungunya

Thiruvananthpuram -- A team of doctors and other staff from armed and para-military forces will reach Kerala today to combat the spread of viral fever, chikungunya, which has so far killed about 40 people and inflicted over 10, 000 in the state.

Union Defence Minister A K Antony has directed the army and the navy to fully cooperate with the State Government.

The medical team is being sent after the Kerala Government sought a Central Government help to contain chikungunya.

Defence spokesman Prakash Madhum told ANI that two medical teams from the army’s medical corps would help civil health facilities in Pathanamthitta District.
Two medical teams from Kochi Naval Command are being sent to Kottayam and Idukki districts, he added.

Meanwhile, after an all-party meeting convened by the State Government, it has been decided to launch a week-long state-wide cleaning campaign from Tuesday.

Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.

The disease broke out after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast early this month.
The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.

A team of experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi has already visited the state to study the situation.

Like dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)