Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya/Leptospirosis Outbreaks 2010

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.sahilonline.org/english/news.php?catID=statenews&nid=7935

More than 300 hit by Chikungunya
S.O. News Service, Monday, 03 May 2010 - 00:17:33 IST
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Hassan: The growing menace of Chikungunya has hit more than 300 people and has claimed one person's life in Annechakanahalli in Holenarsipur taluk of Hassan district. The deceased has been identified as Rangaiah (55). But sadly, the taluk health officer claims that he is unaware of the prevalent situation.

The officer, Dr. Rajesh said that though the menace began almost a month ago, he was not aware of the attacks in the village. While clarifying that he yet hasn't received any complaint with this regard, he notified that he got to know about this only on Friday and he had directed Dr. Sidde Gowda to visit the village on Saturday. However, Dr. Sidde Gowda said he had treated all the cases.

The village comes under the Doddakadanuru Primary Health Centre (PHC). The inhabitants of the village stated that they had visited Doddakannuru PHC sometime ago, to report the symptoms of Chikungunya, but the medical officer didn't respond to them in a proper manner. Now, the disease has engulfed the whole village, just within a month.

They grumbled that they were asked to pay Rs 80/- for a glucose saline and Rs. 2/- for a needle at the PHC. They have demanded action against the officers. The people of the village informed that there was an overhead tank in the village which had not been cleaned and that they were receiving contaminated water.

Ramakrishne Gowda, a resident, said chikungunya has affected him and three others in his family. He said that the doctors did not bother to visit the village even after they were informed about the death of Rangaiah a week ago, due to Chikungunya. Malle Gowda said that in his house three persons were down with chikungunya. Another villager, Shantaraju, said that since one month, he was taking several people from the village to the Doddakadanuru PHC for treatment.

When contacted, District Health Officer Thimmappa said that on Friday, Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer M.R. Balakrishna convened a meeting in this regard and sent medicines to the village. He said action would be taken against the local medical officers for dereliction of duty.

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Four dengue fever cases confirmed in Kodagu



Staff Correspondent
District administration takes precautions to check its spread

Temporary treatment centre opened at Karike

Man dies of diarrhoea in Virajpet taluk

Madikeri: Four cases of dengue fever have been confirmed from Karike village in Madikeri taluk, bordering Kerala, in the Bhagamandala Gram Panchayat limits, as on Tuesday.

As many as 38 cases of suspected dengue were reported from Karike till May 31, a press release said here on Tuesday. Blood samples were collected from 13 persons, of whom four were found to be suffering from dengue, District Surveillance Officer M.K. Satish said.

Besides, two persons in the village tested positive for chikungunya, Dr. Satish said.

The district administration has taken precautions to tackle the spread of the diseases. A temporary treatment centre has been opened at the Karike Ayurvedic Hospital. Doctors from Bhagamandala and Napoklu primary health centres have been posted to Karike. Medicines to treat patients are available.

District Health Officer Shivaram Naik and District Surveillance officials have been visiting the village for the last one week to monitor the situation.

Health assistants have been advising residents to use mosquito nets. Handbills were distributed to increase awareness about the disease. Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat A.B. Ibrahim, Dr. Naik and other officials visited Karike on Tuesday to take stock of the situation.

Mosquitoes spreading the diseases bred in stagnant water, puddles, unused tyres and latex containers in rubber plantations abundantly found in and around Karike, Dr. Satish said.

Man dies

One person has died from vomiting and diarrhoea in Begoor village in Ponnappasante Gram Panchayat in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu. The man was identified as Mani, the release said.

Vomiting and diarrhoea was noticed in six members of a family in Besgoor, on May 26. District Surveillance Officials visited Besgoor on May 27 to look into the matter. All family members, except Mani, were treated at the Gonicoppa Community Health Centre. Despite his illness, Mani had not visited the hospital, Dr. Satish claimed. He died at his home on May 27.

Water samples from a well reportedly used by the family were sent to the District Surveillance Centre here for testing. Stool samples of three affected persons were sent to Mysore for testing. However, these did not reveal any signs of cholera.

Health assistants and Asha volunteers have been deputed to visit households in vulnerable areas of the district to educate people on the need to be careful about sanitation and using clean drinking water. Drinking water sources are being chlorinated. Medicines have been stored in primary health centres to tackle any cases of vomiting and diarrhoea.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/...2010060251250300.htm&date=2010/06/02/&prd=th&

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

New disease grips villages
TNN, Jun 6, 2010, 10.53pm IST
KARWAR: A new disease is soon spreading in Honnavar taluk, which had faced the worst form of Chikungunya during last year. Villages that are being affected now are Allanki, Gundibail, Kavalakki, Geruspoppa, Kharva and Samshi.

"At least two persons from each family in these villages are affected by the new disease," said Raghavendra Naik, a social worker, who is helping people get admitted to the hospital.

He said, "The numbers given by the health department with regard to the patients affected by the disease is very low. It is because the health department has only the patients' data admitted to government hospitals. But majority of the patients were admitted in private nursing homes in Honnavar."

"Four persons whose condition was serious were sent to The Medical College at Manipal," health department sources said.

Symptom of this disease is quite different from chikungunya. Initially, the patient started shivering and then it's followed by high fever. Following which, the patient will undergo intolerable pain.

Many patients who are now affected by this disease stated that they were victims of chikungunya as well.

Usha Hasyagar, taluk health officer of Honnavar, visited the affected villages. She said the patients' blood samples were collected and sent to the laboratory at Shimoga for further examination. "Many of them were reported positive for the viral disease," she said.

Usha said, "The fever is either caused by dengue or Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). Possibility of KFD is less as there are no reports of monkey deaths in the forest of Honnavar taluk."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6017711.cms?prtpage=1

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Karnataka

Seven chikungunya, 18 dengue cases



Correspondent

Karwar: As many as seven chikungunya and 18 dengue fever cases have been detected in Uttara Kannada district, according to the District Health Officer S.D. Avaradi. However, no causalities have been reported in the district.

Dr. Avaradi said that of 417 fever cases reported in the district this year, blood samples of 15 suspected chikungunya and 45 suspected dengue cases were sent to the Virus Diagnostic Laboratory at Shimoga. Of them, seven cases of chikungunya ? four in Banavasi and three in Jalavalli in Honnavar taluk, were detected, he said.

As far as dengue is concerned, there have been four cases in Hegdekatta in Sirsi taluk, three in Kalleshwara, one in Ramanaguli in Ankola taluk, one in Murur in Kumta taluk, and 10 cases in Honnavar taluk.

He said that during December 2009, 162 proved positive for chikungunya and 49 for dengue.

Dr. Avaradi said teams of health officers have been carrying out a survey of paralysis patients in Mavinakurve village.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/11/stories/2010061151930300.htm

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Source: http://www.sahilonline.org/english/news.php?catID=coastalnews&nid=8207

No dengue deaths reported in UK district
S.O. News Service, Saturday, 12 June 2010 - 13:54:54 IST


Karwar: Though seven chikungunya and 18 dengue fever cases have been reported from various places of the district, no one has died of dengue fever, stated district health and family welfare officer S D Avaradi.

In a pres release issued here on Thursday stated that amongs the 417 fever cases 15 blood samples of chikungunya and 45 samples of dengue were sent to viral diagnostic laboratory at Shimoga for testing. Of the blood samples sent, seven chikungunya cases, including three from Jalavalli in Honnavar taluk and four from Banavasi in Sirsi taluk have been confirmed. In case of dengue fever, foru from Hegdekatta in Sirsi taluk, one each from Kasarkod and Jalavalli, five from Nagarbastikeri and two cases from Nandolli have been reported. Last year, the district had witnessed 162 chikungunya cases and 49 dengue fever cases, the release stated.

However S D Avaradi said that a team of health officers has been formed to carry out a thorough survey about the spread of paralysis in Mavinakurve village under Shirali PHC in Bhatkal taluk and find out the reasons for the disease. The survey would be carried out in Talgod, Karkal and Belni villages also and steps would be taken to check the disease, the release added.

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

8 dengue cases reported in UK dist

S.O. News Service, Saturday, 12 June 2010 - 10:25:20 IST
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KARWAR: Total 18 dengue fever cases and seven chikungunya cases have been reported in Uttar Kannada district. Shimoga following widespread fever cases reported from various places in the district, the health authorities have sent 46 blood samples to Viral Diagnostic Laboratory at, said district health and family welfare officer S D Avaradi.
Six dengue cases in Sirsi Yellapur, four cases in Ramanaguli of Ankola taluk, seven cases from Honnavar taluk and one case form Santeguli in Kumta taluk have been reported, whereas, four chikungunya cases from Banavasi and three cases from Karava in Honnavar taluk have been reported.Steps have been taken to treat the patients with dengue and chikungunya symptoms and the affected have been recuperating. As precautionary measures, Dr Avaradi has appealed the public to keep their surrounding clean, avoid stagnation of water and wear full clothing.

http://www.sahilonline.org/english/news.php?catID=coastalnews&nid=8202

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Bangalore?s dengue count on the rise

Veena Joshi DattaFirst Published : 30 Jun 2010 04:51:49 AM ISTLast Updated :


BANGALORE: Dengue cases are on the rise in Bangalore.


Hospitals in the city are reporting fresh cases everyday. The Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital witnesses six to eight fresh cases of dengue every day.

As many as 91 patients at the hospital have tested positive for the fever from January till June 26.

KC General Hospital at Malleswaram too treats six to eight patients suffering from dengue everyday.

Dr Jagadish Chinnappa, pediatrician at Manipal Hospital, said 15 children were admitted to the hospital and were undergoing treatment for dengue on Tuesday.

Dr H Parmesh, director (medical), Lakeside Hospital, said 10 confirmed cases are reported on an average at the hospital everyday.

Dr Hira Raikar, joint director of health and family welfare department (Malaria and filaria) said the palike should take steps because dengue cases were on the rise this year. ?We asked the BBMP chief health officer last Thursday to submit a detailed project report of actions and measures taken by the palike,? he said.
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/bangalore’s-dengue-count-on-the-rise/185719.html

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Karnataka - Bangalore

266 dengue, 326 chikungunya cases reported in State, says Sriramulu
Special Correspondent
Health Minister says no deaths have been caused by diseases

Bangalore accounted for 93 cases of dengue and 41 cases of chikungunya

Government taking steps to conduct survey of mosquito breeding areas
BANGALORE: As many as 266 cases of dengue and 326 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the State till June 28, according to Health Minister B. Sriramulu.

?However, no deaths have been reported due to these diseases?, Mr. Sriramulu told the Legislative Council on Wednesday in his reply to the issue raised by Janata Dal (Secular) member Abdul Azeem during Zero Hour.

Bangalore alone accounted for 93 confirmed cases of dengue and 41 confirmed cases of chikungunya, he noted.

The Minister maintained that these two epidemics were under control in the State due to adequate preventive measures taken by the Government.

Pointing out that both the epidemics were ?insect-borne?, he said the Government had initiated steps to conduct a survey of mosquito breeding places besides taking up mosquito eradication in partnership with private and community organisations. As many as 898 fogging machines were being used for eradication of mosquitoes in the State, he said. A sum of Rs. 1.10 crore had been released for taking preventive measures against outbreak of the above epidemics, the Minister said.

However, Mr. Azeem suspected that the actual number of people suffering from these two epidemics could be much more as normally the private hospitals would not send regular reports to the government on epidemics.

The Minister said the private hospitals would have to mandatorily provide such information to the government after the strict implementation of Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act.

Mr. Azeem suggested that special wards be set up in government hospitals for the patients suffering from the above epidemics in each of the four zones in Bangalore. The Minister assured the member of considering his suggestion.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/08/stories/2010070863660400.htm

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Karnataka: Epidemic threat looms over Uttara Kannada district

Karnataka: Epidemic threat looms over Uttara Kannada district

Epidemic threat looms over Uttara Kannada district
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 - 13:52:08S.O. News Service | Karwar: As many as 2,391 cases of fever, including 51 suspected chikungunya cases and 347 of dengue were reported in the district this year.

According to source in the Health Department, dengue and chikungunya are wide spread in taluks where there are areca gardens. The water sprinkling leads to water logging at certain points, giving scope for rapid growth of mosquitoes. Fogging is of little use to control the disease, they point out. The only way is to avoid water logging. The rains would have been the best solution since the mosquitoes die in rains. However, with the monsoon playing truant, the district has not been receiving adequate rains.



There have been cases of dengue and chikungunya in Sirsi, Ankola, Honnavar, Yellapur and Kumta taluks, A few dengue cases have been detected in Mundgod taluk also. The District Health Department has sent blood samples of 246 persons for laboratory tests to Bangalore and Shimoga of which 32 tested positive for dengue and 12 for chikungunya.

One case of swine flu was detected at Bhatkal, taking the total number to three in the district, One pregnant woman form Kumta and a three-year-old boy from Apsarakonda in Honnavar taluk died of H1N1, while another pregnant woman is being treated in Manipal KMC Hospital, sources said.



60 hospitalized in Mundgod

Sixty persons, mostly women and children of Salgaon and Lakkolli villages in Mundgod taluk, have been hospitalized with suspected cholera and typhoid in the past two days. Drinking of contaminated water is said to be the reason. Senior medical officers Dr Shrikant Mayannavar, Dr Subhas Tandel visited the affected areas with special medical teams. The peoples requested the town panchayat to supply chlorinated water.

However, DHO Shivanna Reddy said that nearly 60 people suffered from diarrhea in Salgaon and Lakkolli villages of Mundgod taluk in the past two days. They have been treated in Mundgod taluk hospital. He said that water contamination was the cause.

While water is supplied in Salgaon village though broken pipes, the people of Lakkolli have been consuming water from a common well. He said the water tank at Salgaon remained unused for the past here years for want of electricity.

He said that he has suggested chlorinisation of the drinking water and advised the villagers to dirking boiled.



Posted By : I.G. Bhatkali
http://www.sahilonline.org/english/news.php?cid=1&nid=8408

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Re: Karnataka: Dengue Outbreak

Dirt and disease in CM?s backyard (Bangalore)


Chikungunya and dengue cases on the rise in Sanjaynagar; residents say it?s because BBMP hasn?t yet cleaned up its act

Suchith.Kidiyoor@timesgroup.com
Posted On Friday, July 16, 2010 at 01:34:59 AM

Six of a family in Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa?s neigbourhood are suffering from chikungunya, a viral disease spread through the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.


Sanjaynagar residents, who live around half-a-kilometre from the CM?s house, blame their surroundings and BBMP?s ineffective measures to check the disease.

Housewife Prasuna Reddy told Bangalore Mirror, ?Six people in our family are suffering. First, our parents were admitted to Rajmahal Vilas hospital for chikungunya treatment. Then, four more, including two children, contracted the fever.? Prasuna says there are other neighbours suffering from either chikungunya or dengue caused by mosquitoes breeding in uncollected garbage.

?It is over two weeks since the BBMP people collected garbage. They demand Rs 20 on the first day of every month. If we refuse to pay, they tell us to our faces that they will never collect garbage. But once we pay, they don?t turn up,? Prasuna said.

Though residents have complained, no action has been taken. ?For their fault, we have spent more than Rs 30,000 on our parents? treatment,? she added.

Doctors agree

Dr Naresh Shetty, medical director, M S Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, agrees that viral fever cases are on the rise. ?We get five to six cases with chikungunya-like symptoms every day,? he said.

Dr Vidya, physician, Rajmahal Vilas Hospital, Sanjay Nagar, said, ?We get 10 suspected cases of chikungunya and five suspected cases of dengue every day.?

183 cases of Dengue
BBMP?s Chief Health Officer L T Gayatri said, ?Since January, 65 cases of chikungunya and 183 cases of dengue have been reported in the city. But she defended her department saying, ?We?ve taken initiatives like fogging and spraying to reduce breeding of mosquitoes.?

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/arti...8255e4/Dirt-and-disease-in-CM’s-backyard.html

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Govt to rely on NIV, PHI and laboratory at NIMHANS
Dengue count: No to pvt lab reports
Bangalore, July 18, DHNS

The State Health Department does not consider the results of blood sample tests conducted by private laboratories for dengue count.


"We need authentication of results and depend on government- designated laboratories. If the private hospital has confirmed a patient positive for dengue and has also sent another sample to our labs, then we consider the results given by our designated labs. Let the private hospital be a corporate one with all the best facilities available, but we will still consider results of our designated labs," District Health Officer Dr Thimmappa told Deccan Herald. He added that the Department considers the test results given by designated testing laboratories such as National Institute of Virology (NIV), Public Health Institute (PHI) and the laboratory at Nimhans.

Legal action

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has stated that it will initiate action under Karnataka Medical Council Act against hospitals which have not shared details on dengue deaths.

"The action will depend on the offence committed. Ideally private hospitals furnish intimation about deaths in the hospital to the local offices of the Corporation mentioning the cause of death. However thorough inspection will be carried out if either the hospital or the corporation has kept information undisclosed," KMC president Dr Chikkananjappa said.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/82238/dengue-count-no-pvt-lab.html

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Dengue cases are filling up ICUs


Private hospitals are reporting unusually high levels of occupancy in ICUs. Pray that Health Minister B Sriramulu and officials are paying attention

Neethu.Reghukumar@timesgroup.com
Posted On Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 05:22:34 AM

While Health Minister B Sriramulu is busy helping the Reddy brothers fight allegations of illegal mining in Bellary, dengue seems to be spreading in Bangalore.


At least one hospital had to turn away patients due to full occupancy. In some cases, half the beds in ICUs are occupied by patients being treated for dengue

Hospitals are reporting unusually high occupancy levels in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with dengue patients taking up a significant number of beds. At least one private hospital had to turn away patients who were referred to the ICU because all the beds were occupied.

Dr Naresh Shetty, medical director of M S Ramaiah hospital on New B E L Road, said, ?We have 45 beds in the ICU. All are occupied. Of these, half the patients are cases of viral fever with low platelet count. We are forced to turn patients away.?
Doctors say viral fever with low platelet count is a sign of dengue.

Dr Preethi Adoni, medical officer at Mallya Hospital on Vittal Mallya Road, said, ?We have 14 beds in the ICU. Only two beds are vacant. Seven are dengue cases. Such a high occupancy level in the ICU is unusual. Even outside the ICU, we have quite a number of dengue patients.?

The two Sagar hospitals at Jayanagar and Banashankari also reported a surge in dengue cases in the past two months. Dr Mohan Reddy, medical director of the hospitals, said, ?We are observing an increase in the number of dengue patients requiring ICU facilities. In our Jayanagar unit, we have 52 ICU beds. All are occupied. At Banashankari, we have 22 beds in the ICU. Eight patients are dengue cases. As of now, five beds are free.?

Columbia Asia Hospitals Chairman Dr Nandakumar Jayaram said, ?We have a total of 47 beds in the ICUs of our units at Yeshwantpur and Hebbal. Of these, only six beds are vacant at the moment.?
WHAT IS HEALTH DEPT SAYING?
The BBMP?s health department says that there have been 183 cases of dengue since January this year. Of this, 100 were reported in June and July. No one has died of the disease.

However, this figure and the no-death claim is disputed by private hospitals and practitioners.

Asked about the unusally high number of dengue cases, State Health Secretary Raman Reddy said, ?The high occupancy in ICUs had not come to our notice so far. We will look into the matter and see what can be done to remedy the situation.?

?My mother is in ICU, but no space for my sister?
On the directions of local doctors, Tumkur-based Mohan Kumar brought his cousin Pooja to M S Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore. Pooja, a second PUC student, is suffering from dengue.

Mohan

Mohan said, ?When we brought her to the hospital on Saturday night, her condition was really bad. Howe-ver, she could not be admitted to the ICU, as there was no vacant bed. Doctor asked us to wait till some other patient is shifted out of the ICU.? Pooja was given a bed in the deluxe ward.

Mohan said, ?Fortunately, her condition improved. If her condition had deteriorated, we do not know what we would have done because even on Sunday no ICU bed was free.?

Incidentally, one of the patients in the ICU is Mohan?s 52-year-old mother Sarvamangalamma who was also diagnosed with dengue.

Mohan said, ?She was being treated at Siddaramaiah Hospital in Tumkur for fever. However, when her platelet count went down drastically, doctors there advised us to rush her to Bangalore. We brought her to M S Ramaiah hospital last Wednesday. Her condition is much better now.?

STORY OF DENGUE
Dengue is caused by ?aedes aegypti?, a type of mosquito that breeds in stagnant water.

In the initial stages, patients suffer from viral fever and body pain. They are treated with antibiotics for five days and pain killers.

But, if the platelet count goes below 25,000 per micro litre of blood, then transfusion of fresh blood is required. However, not all patients need to be admitted to an ICU.

WHO REQUIRES ICU
If the pulse rate and BP are below normal, the platelet count is low, patient bleeds from gums and nose, he/she is suffering a severe case of dengue. There is a possibility of internal bleeding and fluid accumulation in the liver and lungs.

Such patients are said to be suffering from Dengue Shock Syndrome and need to be shifted to an ICU.

Even those who receive blood transfusion might require constant monitoring in an ICU.

WATCH OUT FOR...
# Abrupt onset of high fever
# Severe headache
# Pain behind the eye-balls
# Muscle and joint pain
# Loss of taste and appetite
# Measles-like rashes over chest and upper limbs
# Nausea and vomiting
# In severe cases, bleeding from gums, nose and eyes
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/arti...7f3b88a/Dengue-cases-are-filling-up-ICUs.html

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Friday, July 23rd, 2010 | Posted by NVO News
Bangalore?s garbage killing people in Mavallipura
Bangalore: Akshay Kumar, a 15 year old boy, died of dengue this morning at Mavallipura, Yelahanka Hobli, 20 kms north of Bangalore. Akshay?s untimely death is the tragic outcome of reckless dumping of hundreds of tonnes of garbage daily by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and M/s Ramky Infrastructure Ltd. at Mavallipura, making it a fertile habitat for mosquitoes and resulting in widespread affliction of local communities with deadly dengue and chikungunya.
This is the second death in a week in this village. Rajanna (about 60y) passed away due to cancer only 5 days ago. Rajanna?s death is highly indicative of the widespread adverse impact of toxic discharge from illegal landfills in the village. Many more are suffering from cancer, kidney failure, low immunity levels in surrounding villages, and the rates of such diseases are way over the national average.

The misery of the villagers is unspeakable. People have to eat inside mosquito nets during the day and night, to ensure flies don?t get to their food. Dogs and scavenging birds are everywhere. Couple of days ago, 7 year old Chaitra was bitten by a rabid dog and has been hospitalised.

The landfills are also only 5 kms. from Yelahanka Air Force Base and attract a very high population of kites and crows, and vultures too ? considered serious threat to flight safety of defense aircraft. This landfill is proving to be a major handicap to free movement of Indian Air Force planes and consquently compromising our air borne security systems.

This terribly mis-managed and illegal landfill has been a major source of worry, consternation and protest amongst local communities for some years now. Regulatory agencies, like Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, have done little or nothing to contain the damage to human health and environment, despite many petitions, protests, complaints, etc.

Livid villagers of Mavallipura are now carrying the body of Akshay to the Ramky facility in protest. The tragedy struck family has refused to cremate the remains of this unfortunate young victim of criminal negligence by BBMP and regulatory authorities. In their worst times they have taken to protest until their long standing demands are met with: the illegal landfill facility must be shut down, the area must be fully decontaminated and all affected families comprehensively compensated.

Environment Support Group has extensively surveyed the damage to the local environment and human health due to the illegal landfills and a comprehensive report of the adverse impacts will soon be released
http://nvonews.com/2010/07/23/bangalores-garbage-killing-people-in-mavallipura/

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

There're no dengue deaths: BBMP chief
TNN, Jul 28, 2010, 01.40am IST

BANGALORE: It is a classic example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.

As the deadly dengue continue to claim lives in Bangalore, BBMP commissioner Siddaiah chose to play it down by saying there has been no dengue deaths in the BBMP area for the last two years!

"All the reports on dengue death from private hospitals are false. Only those blood samples that were tested positive by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) will be considered for dengue deaths. Since blood samples at private hospitals are not tested at NIV, we are not considering those cases as dengue deaths."
Interestingly, while BBMP is denying dengue deaths they have issued showcause notice to hospitals confirming on dengue deaths.

"As per the Karnataka Municipal Councils (KMC) Act section 402, it is mandatory for private hospitals to inform BBMP before making it public. A fortnight ago, a circular was issued in this regard. Those violating the act have been issued showcause notice," he said.

BBMP issued showcause notice to three hospitals - St John's Hospital, Gayathri Hospital and Tirumala Hospital in the city for declaring dengue death.

Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, dean and director, Dr Shivananda, said: "In the past three months, we have had 200 children with dengue fever. At least 70% of them are from rural area and 30% from the urban parts. There have been two deaths till date and both are from outside Bangalore."

"We have adequate fogging machines and spraying activities are initiated across the city and mosquitoes are very much under control," he said.

With most parts of the state witnessing outbreak of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, health secretary E V Ramana Reddy, claimed: "All vector-borne diseases are under control. Of the 742 dengue-positive cases reported, only one dengue death occurred till date in the state."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...gue-deaths-BBMP-chief/articleshow/6224954.cms

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Only Dengue Deaths Spur Authorities Into Action
Aarthi R, TNN, Jul 28, 2010, 01.30am IST

BANGALORE: Will only death stir and wake up the authorities?

Last year, the case of six-year-old Abhishek, who went missing in an open stormwater drain, prompted officials to go on a drain-cleaning drive. Now, after two dengue deaths in less than a fortnight, officials have woken up to the danger of poor civic conditions in Lingarajapuram ward.

On Tuesday, residents had a pleasant surprise seeing a garbage truck, fog sprayer and health officials parked on the streets.

Twenty-three-year-old Prema, who died on Monday in her KSFC Layout residence, was suffering from symptoms of dengue fever for a week. Lack of timely and proper medical care were cited as reasons behind her death.

"I could have saved her if I had money. I didn't realize the fever was fatal. She was always complaining of headache and joint pain,'' her sobbing mother Selvi said. Prema's younger brother Dinesh was taken to hospital on Tuesday following similar symptoms.

Due to financial constraints, Prema studied only till Class IX. However, she soon got a job at a call centre. She was working with an MNC and was the sole bread-winner for this family of three.

On July 23, she was taken to Mahaveer Jain Hospital for blood tests. Despite the marginally-low platelet count indicated in the report, the family had to hold back further treatment due to financial crisis. "There are no proper government hospitals nearby. Further, Prema was confident she would be fine after resting at home,'' Selvi explained.

However, her condition worsened on Monday and she was rushed to Sathya Hospital in Kammanahalli, where she was declared dead.

The funeral expenses were borne by area corporator Lavanya Ganesh Reddy. "We are trying to compensate the family since Prema was the only earning member. We are told BBMP has no such scheme for dengue deaths,'' Reddy said.

SPOT SURVEY

A visit to Prema's residence reveals shocking civic neglect. It's a residential layout, and right opposite the house is an open site with overgrown parthenium weeds. Residents complain how the road is used as a dump yard by garbage-lifters. "Stink pervades the area and the rotting heap is a breeding ground for mosquitoes,'' say residents.

"Garbage and stormwater drains are perennial problems. We have no proper support from the BBMP,'' complains corporator Lavanya.

A CHANGE FOR REAL?

The area was a beehive of activity in the morning, with garbage being cleared, fog-sprayer Muniraju doing his rounds and the vacant site being cleared of weeds. Soon after, health officials arrived.

"We hope the maintenance is a regular exercise. There has been some focus on drains following Abhishek's case. But the work is not complete yet,'' says Pushpa S, a resident.

Health officer and health inspector who visited Prema's house promised regular maintenance. "Staff and co-ordination are major issues. For more than a year, the environment cell has been handling garbage contracts. The process needs some streamlining. Such issues are common across all wards. We are working on it. Henceforth, it should be regular,'' said health inspector Dr Nagaraj.


FROM THE PAST

Prema's house is very close to the spot where Abhishek went missing in the open drain last year. The drains here have been covered and desilted over the year. However, the bills have been pending for the last two months. "No worker is ready to come fearing payment delay,'' said Lavanya's husband Ganesh Reddy.

CORPORATORSPEAK

Slums form 50% of my ward. Ever since I took over, we've brought the poor civic conditions here to the notice of all concerned, including the mayor and the commissioner. But there's been no action. We hope at least this death will make them realize that we need help.''

__ Lavanya Ganesh Reddy
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...thorities-Into-Action/articleshow/6224952.cms

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Woman dies of dengue
Staff Reporter


Bangalore: Even as Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials continue to deny dengue deaths in the city, hospitals are reporting deaths caused by the vector-borne disease. On Saturday, a 37-year-old woman from Viveknagar died of dengue in St. Philomena's Hospital. Confirming the death, a spokesperson for the hospital said the victim, Vijaya Rani, was admitted to the hospital two days ago after she developed complications. Meanwhile, another A(H1N1) death was reported in the hospital on Saturday, the spokesperson added.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/01/stories/2010080164730300.htm

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Woman dies; dengue suspected
TNN, Aug 2, 2010, 09.57pm IST

MYSORE: A day after a woman died of suspected dengue in Heggadadevanakote taluk, the health department officials visited the village on Monday. However, the officials said there is no need to panic. Anitha, 38, from Padukote, died on Sunday. She was suffering from fever for 3-4 days and was treated at a local hospital. When her condition deteriorated, she was rushed to a private hospital in the city where she died.

A team of officials visited the village and collected the details. We have collected the blood samples and have sent them for testing, district malaria officer Dr Manjunath stated. According to him, whether the death is due to dengue will be confirmed once the test results are available.

Following the report, DC Harsh Gupta held a conference with the officials, including tahsildars using wireless communication network and directed them to be vigilant. He has asked them to ensure the essential assistance is extended to the needy patients and there are no deaths due to dengue or chikungunya so far.

Over 15 cases of malaria, nine chikungunya and three dengue cases have been reported in the district, he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Woman-dies-dengue-suspected/articleshow/6249120.cms

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

MAN DIES OF HIGH FEVER: DENGUE SUSPECTED



Mysore, Aug. 7 (ACP&KMC)- A tender coconut vendor named Salim (35), a resident of Beedi Mazdoor Colony in Azeez Sait Nagar, who was suffering from high fever for the last few days, breathed his last yesterday.

It is suspected that Salim died of dengue, according to Beedi Mazdoor Association Secretary Shaukath Pasha, who revealed that Salim had been running high temperature since the past nine days and was being treated at the K.R. Hospital.

"Salim could not avail timely medical attention owing to his poverty," Pasha said and has urged the Health and Family Welfare Department officials to visit Beedi Mazdoor colony and check for people suffering from high fever.

Meanwhile, District Health Officer Dr. Nagaraj Rao told Star of Mysore yesterday that no case of death caused by dengue has been reported in city recently.
http://www.starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=news&item=25471

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

MAN DIES OF SUSPECTED DENGUE FEVER IN CITY



Mysore, Aug. 9 (Abhi&DM)- A private factory employee has reportedly died of suspected dengue fever in city. H.R. Srinivas (43), a resident of Gokulam 2nd Stage, is the unfortunate victim.

The deceased's wife Anuradha, who spoke to Star of Mysore confirmed that her husband had died of dengue fever. She said, Srinivas was suffering with fever on July 15, then he was immediately taken to a private doctor. Later, as advised, he was admitted to Aaditya Hospital in Gokulam on July 21, where he was diagnosed to be suffering from Typhoid. But despite the treatment, he developed complications and subsequently upon doctors advise, Srinivas was shifted to Vikram Jyoth where it was known that he had dengue fever. He succumbed on Sunday morning as the treatment proved futile, she explained.

Meanwhile, District Health Officer Dr. Nagaraju, speaking to Star of Mysore said, he had no information about the suspected dengue fever death of Srinivas. But said he would visit the deceased's residence and collect detailed information.
http://www.starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=news&item=25486

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Re: Karnataka: Dengue/Chikungunya Outbreaks 2010

Dengue claims schoolboy in city
TNN, Aug 16, 2010, 11.57pm IST

BANGALORE: A Class 9 student of Bethany High died after suffering from dengue shock syndrome on Sunday. He and his brother were admitted to Sagar Hospitals. While the elder brother (aged 16) managed to recover, the 14-year-old boy succumbed.

Medical director of Sagar Hospitals Dr Mohan Reddy said the boy was admitted three weeks ago, and put on ventilator support for the past couple of days.

"There are two to three dengue positive patients in the hospital now. The number of cases has increased compared to last month," added Dr Reddy.

The elder brother, a college student, was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of dengue and the boy would visit him "to cheer him up". The school remembers him as a "wonderful child", a "sweet boy" and a "good student". "One of our students has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. This boy was his best friend and helped him move around," said Akash Ryall, principal, Bethany High.

The cremation was on Sunday afternoon. "It was a quite a shock for students and teachers and many attended the funeral. The school will be closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect. On Wednesday, we'll have a morning memorial service," said Akash.

"There is no threat of dengue in the school. We've been fumigating the premises every evening for the past month," he added.




Read more: Dengue claims schoolboy in city - Bangalore - City - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...in-city/articleshow/6321798.cms#ixzz0wp3GVFMN