NEW DELHI: As the number of deaths in the national capital due to chikungunya touched 10, the Centre on Wednesday asked the Delhi government to probe whether the fatalities were due to the viral disease or other co-morbid conditions in patients.
The decision to seek a probe was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Health Minister J P Nadda. “There is no second opinion that death does not occur due to chikungunya and it does not become the cause of death. But still, we have sought a detailed report from the Delhi government. Whatever help and support is needed will be given,” Nadda said.
“We have sought a report (regarding chikungunya deaths) as to what has been the co-morbidity in these death cases and its details,” he added.
Chikungunya has claimed at least 10 lives in the national capital and the number of cases have also crossed 1,000.Nadda asked people not to panic and undergo symptomatic treatment. He also spoke with Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain and assured him of all support from the Centre.
Observing that there is no shortage of drugs and testing facilities to counter the recent upsurge in fever cases, Nadda said that doctors had been advised to strictly follow the protocol.
“I have told him that if he has any requirement, he should tell us. He assured me that there are adequate medicines, beds and testing facilities. I conveyed to him that whatever facilities are needed the Centre is ready to give. We will be working together. We want to address the issue by working in coordination,” the Union health minister said.
The ministry is training health workers to ensure the timely implementation of various activities that need to be undertaken for vector control, he said.
According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, around 12,255 cases of chinkungunya were reported across the country till August 31. Karnataka alone has recorded 8,941, Maharashtra 839 and Andhra Pradesh 492. Nadda said that dengue had been reported in West Bengal, Odisha, Kerela and Karnataka while some cases of malaria have also been reported in West Bengal.
Satyendra Jain and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung held separate meetings to review the situation. “I appeal to all to rise above political considerations and fight the menace unitedly,” said Jung after the meeting.