Panic gripped Kakhada and Barbatia panchayats in Bhogarai block after nearly 100 people on Wednesday complained of high fever and pain in the joints. While over 20 affected people have been admitted to the local primary health centre, the doctors have failed to diagnose the disease which has become a cause of worry.
Meanwhile, a team of health officials has been rushed to the villages to treat the patients.
Though no casualty has been reported so far, the villagers are a scared lot with more and more people taking ill. “After fever, leg swells and there is severe pain in the body. Some of the affected persons have also been bed-ridden,” said Ramesh Sau, a local.
The fever has been reported from Mandari, Biswanathpur, Daudpur, Chota Daudpur, Bagada, Kukudia and Kakhada villages in the two panchayats. With some people suspecting fever to be a symptom of dengue, schools in the area have been witnessing thin attendance.
CDMO Benu Madhab Satpathy said a medical team has been sent to treat the patients. The additional district medical officer (public health) has been asked to monitor the situation, he added.