Date:21/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072110500300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Bijapur identified as hub of chikungunya disease

Staff Correspondent

29,866 cases reported in Bijapur taluk

A total of 170 villages managed by 59 primary health centres affected

Storage facilities should be covered fully and chlorinated once a week

BIJAPUR: Bijapur city has been identified as a high-risk zone for chikungunya disease, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

The epidemic surveillance cell in the department carried out a detailed survey in localities such as Sheik Colony, Badikamman, Beedi Oni, Shahapur Galli, Agasara Oni, Adarsh Nagar, Allapur LT, Chapparband Oni, Indira Nagar, Shanthi Nagar, Managuli Agasi, Apsara Theatre Badavane, Ibrahimpur, Ganesh Nagar, Viveknagar, Jalanagar, Allapur Oni, Pailwan Galli, Kumabar Galli, Gandhi High School Galli and Kalla Oni. The density of `edice-egypti' variety mosquitoes and their larva was also high.

According to District Health Officer, M.R. Gotyal, the disease could not be controlled without cooperation from public because the particular variety of mosquitoes grew in clean water stored for domestic use. Hence, storage facilities such as underground and overhead tanks and pots should be covered fully and chlorinated once a week. Fogging also should be done at regular intervals, he added.

Of the 47,586-chikungunya cases reported in the district so far, Bijapur taluk including the city area reported 29,866 cases. Indi, Basavanabagewadi, Muddebihal and Sindagi taluks reported 4,409, 4,744, 4,162 and 4,405 chikungunya cases respectively. The disease has affected 170 villages managed by 59 primary health centres and all urban areas.