Date:17/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/17/stories/2007061755350300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Steps taken to check chikungunya: Ashok

Staff Reporter

Only 60 suspected cases reported in the State, says Health Minister

Wishing speedy recovery: Actor Vishnuvardhan and Minister for HKealth R. Ashok enquiring about the health of ‘Salumarada’ Thimmakka, who is being treated at Victoria Hospital, in Bangalore on Saturday.

BANGALORE: Minister for Health and Family Welfare R. Ashok said here on Saturday that there were only 60 cases of suspected chikungunya in the State and the Government was making all efforts to check the spread of the disease.

Referring to reports in the media about suspected cases being detected in Mysore district and other parts of the State, he said, “The symptoms seem to be of chikungunya, but we have sent the blood samples of the affected persons for virology tests to check whether the ailment is actually chikungunya,” he said.

Speaking to presspersons at Victoria Hospital, Mr. Ashok, who had gone to the hospital to call on the ailing “Salumarada” Thimmakka, who shot to fame after she planted hundreds of banyan trees in Hulikal in Bangalore Rural district, said that the Government was unprepared the last time when chikungunya was detected in the State. But this time adequate steps had been taken and all the districts had been provided fogging machines.

“We have acquired 500 fogging machines, and 25 machines have been given to the district administration in Mysore to check mosquito breeding. All district hospitals have been adequately stocked with essential drugs. I have also asked the district administration in the all the districts to hold regular meetings,” Mr. Ashok said.

Earlier, he directed the Victoria Hospital authorities to take special care of 82-year-old Ms. Thimmakka. “The Government will bear her medical expenses,” he said.

According to K.R. Ravindra, senior consultant in the Department of Medicine, who is the doctor in charge of the case, Ms. Thimmakka was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state as she had high blood sugar.

“She has been a diabetic for the last eight years and has not been taking proper medication. When she was brought here she was suffering from lung infection and had high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. But now she is responding to treatment and will be discharged in three days,” Dr.Ravindra said.

Actor Vishnuvardhan accompanied the Minister during his visit to the hospital.