AIIMS records 241 cases of chikungunya this year

Even though the records of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) show the capital has recorded one chikungunya case till now, the figures seem to be much higher this season.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences alone has recorded 241 positive cases of chikungunya this year.

“The number of chikungunya cases recorded so far is higher than what was observed last year. So far, 241 cases of chikungunya have been recorded at AIIMS. These are patients who have come for treatment at AIIMS and have tested positive for chikungunya. The number of chikungunya cases this year is much than the dengue cases reported at the hospital so far,” said Dr Aashish Choudhary,  Asisstant Professor, microbiology department, AIIMS.

According to the data released by the SDMC, only one dengue case has been recorded till August 6. Last year, 64 chikungunya cases were reported in the capital, as per the records of the SDMC.

“The number of chikungunya cases came down in the last three years. However, this year, a spike has been observed again,” said Dr Lalit Dar, Professor, Microbiology Department, AIIMS.

However, even with the surge in cases, it cannot be called an outbreak as of yet, said doctors.

The other major Centre-run hospital — Safdarjung Hospital — has seen at least six chikungunya cases till now, confirmed a senior doctor.

A senior official from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital said the hospital has seen a spike in fever cases. “There are chikungunya cases being reported but the hospital is recording them in the ‘other fever’ cases category,” said the official. Delhi government hospitals also reported chikungunya cases being reported.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Doctors said the civic bodies should focus on eliminating mosquitogenic conditions from household premises. It should be ensured that there is no water stagnation in houses or office premises. The government should also raise public awareness on the issue and encourage public participation in eliminating mosquito breeding spots, said doctors.

“The symptoms range from high grade fever, muscle weakness, rash, severe joint pain. Patients with chikungunya are incapicitated by the severe joint pain for days. In some cases, patients also suffer liver function disorder,” said Dr D K Seth, Director, Bara Hindu Rao Hospital. Treating patients suffering involves relieving them from the symptoms.