'Viral fever' kills 10 in 2 months in Noida's Sarfabad village

Sarafabad village in Noida has witnessed at least 10 deaths in the last two months that health officials claim were caused by “viral fever”, prompting the district administration to order a probe.

Over 1,150 persons have reported at a newly set-up health camp at Sarafabad with symptoms of fever in the last two days, which residents claim was caused by poor sanitation and infection, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) SC Gupta said.

According to the villagers, the deaths took place over a period of two months.

Following the outbreak of the disease, District Magistrate NP Singh has ordered an inquiry by the health department and IMA.

The DM also cancelled the leave of doctors and ordered the setting up of the health camp at Sarafabad village.

He directed the chief medical officer to ensure spraying of an anti-larval formulation in and around the nearby villages.

Noida and Greater Noida authorities have also been directed to ensure fogging and proper sanitation in city areas.

Doctors have taken around 100 blood samples at the village and sent them for testing at a lab.

Around 40 test reports have been received but so far no dengue or chikungunya case was found. The CMO meanwhile, has claimed it was a case of viral fever.

“An IMA team visited Sarafabad this morning and spoke to family members of the deceased to ascertain cause of deaths,” A K Aggarwal, president IMA said.