Hyderabad: The Telangana govt has issued a clarification regarding concerns over an increase in Chikungunya cases among travellers heading back from here to the United States, following a recent alert from that country. It listed the number of cases recorded as well as measures being taken.
The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory on Nov 8 stating that it has identified higher than expected number of chikungunya cases among US travellers returning from Telangana. It asked people to exercise precautions while travelling to Telangana and advised expectant mothers to avoid travelling to the state.
In response, the state health department on Thursday said that as of Nov 19, 2024, the state conducted 13,320 tests for Chikungunya, with 447 confirmed cases. The majority of cases were concentrated in the monsoon months of August and September, with no fatalities reported so far.
From Jan to July, there were 44 cases while between August and September, there was a sharp increase with 134 and 183 cases recorded each month. In Oct and Nov (up to the 19th), there was a decline in numbers with a collective 86 cases. The surge during the monsoon season has been is attributed to favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Listing out proactive measures in place to control the spread of chikungunya, the health department cited state and district-level convergence meetings and collaboration with various line departments to ensure a coordinated response. Also periodical health advisories have been issued to raise awareness about prevention and management of the disease apart from door-to-door fever surveys to identify and isolate cases early.
In addition, mosquito control efforts are on. “Despite the seasonal spike, the state reassures the public that comprehensive efforts are in place to address Chikungunya cases and prevent future outbreaks. The govt has urged citizens to take precautions, including using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring stagnant water is eliminated from residential areas,” said Dr B Ravindra Naik, director public health.
The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory on Nov 8 stating that it has identified higher than expected number of chikungunya cases among US travellers returning from Telangana. It asked people to exercise precautions while travelling to Telangana and advised expectant mothers to avoid travelling to the state.
In response, the state health department on Thursday said that as of Nov 19, 2024, the state conducted 13,320 tests for Chikungunya, with 447 confirmed cases. The majority of cases were concentrated in the monsoon months of August and September, with no fatalities reported so far.
From Jan to July, there were 44 cases while between August and September, there was a sharp increase with 134 and 183 cases recorded each month. In Oct and Nov (up to the 19th), there was a decline in numbers with a collective 86 cases. The surge during the monsoon season has been is attributed to favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Listing out proactive measures in place to control the spread of chikungunya, the health department cited state and district-level convergence meetings and collaboration with various line departments to ensure a coordinated response. Also periodical health advisories have been issued to raise awareness about prevention and management of the disease apart from door-to-door fever surveys to identify and isolate cases early.
In addition, mosquito control efforts are on. “Despite the seasonal spike, the state reassures the public that comprehensive efforts are in place to address Chikungunya cases and prevent future outbreaks. The govt has urged citizens to take precautions, including using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring stagnant water is eliminated from residential areas,” said Dr B Ravindra Naik, director public health.
