Re: Odisha: Disease outbreaks 2013/14; Cholera, Diarrhoea, Unidentified
Published Date: 2014-12-06 11:25:54
Subject: PRO/SOAS> Undiagnosed deaths - India (04): (Odisha) mosquito-borne infection susp, RFI
Archive Number: 20141206.3015405
UNDIAGNOSED DEATHS - INDIA (04): (ODISHA) MOSQUITO-BORNE INFECTION SUSPECTED, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
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Date: Fri 5 Dec 2014
Source: Business Standard, Press Trust of India report [edited]
http://www.business-standard.com/art...0501161_1.html
At least 10 children, aged between 1-4 years, died and as many were affected due to suspected mosquito-borne infection in Odisha's tribal dominated Malkangiri district in the past month [about 5 Nov-5 Dec 2014], an official said here today [5 Dec 2014].
The children belonged to Korkunda, Balimela and Kalimela blocks in the district [Malkangiri], and blood samples of those affected have been sent for laboratory test at Bhubaneswar [capital of Odisha state] and Pune [Maharashtra state], Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Malkangiri, Udayanath Mishra said.
Stating that the disease affecting the children was suspected to be an infection induced by mosquito bite, Mishra said the exact reason could be ascertained only after obtaining the laboratory report.
4 medical teams comprising doctors, specialists and scientists had visited the area and are keeping a close vigil on the situation, he said, adding, the situation was under control and no report of casualty was received in last 3 days [2-4 Dec 2014].
About the symptoms of the disease, Mishra said the children 1st suffer from fever, followed by vomiting and severe weakness, leading to their death in the next few days.
Mishra said as the district is tribal dominated, those suffering from any disease in hinterland 1st visit a 'disari' (black magician), then to a quack [unqualified health practitioner] and turn up at the hospital in a very serious condition.
Besides, a large number of vacancies of doctor posts in the district is an impediment in providing proper health services, he said.
Out of 97 sanctioned posts of doctors, 64 are vacant, and only 33 doctors are there for providing service to patients.
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Communicated by:
ProMED-SoAs
<promed-SoAs@promedmail.org>
[According to the media report above, at least 10 children, aged between 1-4 years, died and many were affected due to suspected mosquito-borne infection in Odisha's tribal dominated Malkangiri district in the past one month. As per a state health official, the children 1st suffer from fever, followed by vomiting and severe weakness, leading to their death in the next few days. Health official teams had visited the area and blood samples have been sent for laboratory diagnosis at Bhubaneswar and Pune and their report is awaited.
ProMED-mail would greatly appreciate receiving more information on these as yet undiagnosed deaths from knowledgeable sources in the region.
The Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is the central nodal agency for the prevention and control of vector borne diseases, i.e., malaria, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, kala-azar, Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya, in India (
http://www.nvbdcp.gov.in).
Malkangiri is a district of the state of Odisha. Some of the most beautiful locations are the back waters of Balimela Dam, Satiguda Dam, and Bonda Ghati (abode of the Bonda people, a primitive tribe) (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malkang...strict#History). - Mod.GS
