MALKANGIRI: At least 235 people in Podia village, around 70 km from Malkangiri town, have reportedly developed symptoms of Chikungunya, sparking panic among the rural population of the region.
The affected villagers have complained of swelling and pain in joints, limbs, headache and severe weakness. A medical team from the district headquarters hospital visited Podia on Monday and collected blood samples from the symptomatic villagers.
On Tuesday, more medical teams were dispatched to Podia to conduct further testing. Sources said samples have been collected from 125 villagers. Chief district medical officer of Malkangiri Dr Braja Bandhu Dash told TNIE that the situation is under control. Health teams have set up camps in Podia to examine and treat the affected residents.
District public health officer Dr A Hussain, who visited Podia on Monday, said the outbreak has been confined to four streets of revenue village-I in Podia. “The affected people are showing symptoms of swelling and pain in joints and limbs, headaches and severe weakness. Water samples from the village were tested and deemed safe,” he added.
“Sample collection is currently underway. We have received some reports and are waiting for the final results,” Dr Hussain said and added that the outbreak is linked to pre-monsoon viral infections with a few confirmed cases of Chikungunya. He further said tests for malaria, dengue, sub-typhoid and hepatitis A have all returned negative. These symptoms are common before the monsoon season, and all necessary measures are being taken to manage the situation effectively.