Goa under dark shadow of chikungunya

The increase in the number of chikunguya cases in Goa is worrying health authorities. The number of chikungunya cases has reached 143 with new cases tested positive each day. In places like Quepem, Nerul (Candolim PHC) and Siolim, it has been declared "local outbreak".

Chikungunya is basically a virus that is transmitted to humans by the virus-carrying Aedes mosquito. It is not fatal but it can be painful. The effects of the disease can last as long as two years leading to debilitating and disabling the person. Irregular rains and high humidity levels are cited as reason behind the rise in the number of chikungunya cases.

Directorate of Health Services is taking all possible steps to avoid the spread of chikungunya. Special teams have been sent to the affected areas to prevent the spread of disease. Other precautionary measures have also been taken. Dr. Deepak Kabadi, in-charge of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) said that in Nerul, which saw the first small outbreak in January, there were 10 cases among residents staying in a 20-point programme housing colony. The second outbreak was in Siolim (14 cases) in July-August followed by Quepem where 61 people have been affected so far.