Chikungunya Deaths: Delhi Govt. to give a detailed report

The Delhi government has been told to submit a detailed report to the Union Health ministry on the deaths due to "upsurge" of chikungunya, which has claimed 10 lives in Delhi and affected over 1,000 people and directed officials to remain alert to prevent it from escalating further.

Urging people not to panic and undergo symptomatic treatment, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who held a high level meeting with concerned officials to review the dengue and chikungunya situation in the country especially Delhi, also spoke to Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain and assured him of all support from the Centre. "We have sought a detailed report from Delhi government (regarding chikungunya deaths) as to what has been the co-morbidity in these death cases and its details. 

"There is no second opinion that death does not occur due to chikungunya and it does not become the cause of death. But still, we have sought a detailed report from Delhi government. Whatever help and support is needed will be given," Nadda told reporters. Chikungunya is taking its toll in Delhi and a few other cities across the country, with at least ten deaths due to the vector-borne disease reported in the last two days in the national capital where the number of cases have crossed over 1,000.

Observing that there is no shortage of drugs and testing facilities to counter this recent upsurge, Nadda said that doctors have been advised to strictly follow the protocols. The Health ministry is also providing training to health workers to ensure timely implementation of various activities that need to be undertaken for vector control, he said. "I spoke to Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain before the review meeting and asked him if he had some requirements.

He said that all facilities are available with them and they are working as per the protocols. "I have told him that if he has any requirement, he should tell us. He assured that there are adequate medicines, beds and testing facilities. I conveyed to him that whatever facilities is needed the Centre is ready to give. We will be working together. We want to address the issue by working in coordination," Nadda said. 

According to National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), around 12,255 cases of chinkungunya have been reported across the country till August 31. Karnataka alone has recorded 8,941, Maharashtra 839 and Andhra Pradesh 492. Nadda directed officials to be alert over next few months and to strengthen activities for awareness generation and prevention and control of Chikungunya to effectively address the situation and not allow it to escalate. He also asked NVBDCP, Delhi Government and municipal bodies to "coordinate" their awareness activities.