'Mysterious symptoms in Machenahalli not Chikungunya'

Speaking to Deccan Herald, he said “58 persons have developed viral fever symptoms in the village. The blood samples were collected and sent to Shimoga laboratory.”

“No new cases have been reported in the district. The residents of the region have been suffering from fever for the last one week. Owing to viral fever, the residents are suffering from joint pain. The larvae found in stagnant water in the village has been sent to laboratory,” he said.

The patients have been given medicine for fever, tiredness and joint pain. Similar symptoms were found in Machenahalli last year.

Fogging has been done in the village to control mosquitoes.

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Eshwarappa said health awareness programme is being organised throughout the district. Owing to the consumption of contaminated water, residents had developed health complications in Hebbur at Ajjampura 15 days ago. No monkey fever or Kyasanoor Forest Disease has been detected in the district. Normally monkey fever appears in Malnad between December and June.

Shortage of staff

Chikmagalur district has 86 Primary Health Centres. The sanctioned posts to these centres is 126. However, there are only 86 doctors.

There are six hospitals which do not have doctors. As many as 535 doctors will be recruited in the state. Accordingly, the district will get 20, he added.