Many cases of viral fever in Yavatmal, seven die in fortnight

District Health Officer Dr G K Rachakundawar has admitted that there were seven deaths from different parts of the district of whom three were from Kalamb tehsil alone.

Besides Kalamb, people living in tehsils of Ghatanji, Pandharkawda, Wani, Zari and Pusad have also been hit by viral fever. Private hospitals in Yavatmal are crowded with patients affected by ailments widely suspected to be Dengue and Malaria but officials said blood samples of suspected dengue patients were negative.

Health Officer Dr Rachakundawar said that they are taking preventive measures to contain the spread of viral fever. "But the success of our efforts depends upon the active involvement of the people," he stated.

Dr G C Kumbhare of the District Malaria Office said that they have referred the blood samples of 24 suspected dengue patients collected from different parts of the district but the test result of all the cases was negative. However, 493 out of 2.16 lakh samples have been found positive for Malaria during the last six months, he said.

Taking cognisance of the situation, the Chief Executive Officer of zilla parishad Navalkishor Ram has set up 14 special teams which will provide medical help to people.