HYDERABAD: More than 200 people have been bed-ridden due to a mysterious fever in Datta Nagar of Narayanguda over the last week. Swollen legs, severe body pain and persistent vomiting are the symptoms.

A majority of those affected in this basti right beside the Narayanguda nala are barely able to walk. "This looks mysterious as so many people have been attacked within a couple of days," says Balu, a resident who is suffering from similar symptoms. Similar is the case with Rukmini, who has been suffering for one week. Medication has not helped reduce the pain, she says.

Residents poured their woes to BJP national vice-president, Bandaru Dattatreya, who visited the area along with Himayatnagar MLA, G. Kishen Reddy on Thursday. Mr. Dattatreya demanded that the Government act immediately.

Treatment

Since majority of the people were not willing to go to Government hospitals, officials should ensure treatment from private hospitals, he said.

Mr. Kishen Reddy said he spoke to Health Minister, K. Rosaiah, who promised medical help. Private hospitals, too, offered their services, Mr. Reddy said.

District Medical and Health Officer, S. Satyavathi, said 80 per cent of the people were suffering from viral fever while the cause was yet to be ascertained in other cases. "We have sent blood samples for testing. The reports also indicate viral fever," she said. Some of the residents were admitted to hospitals by medical teams but they were not willing to stay there, she said, adding that viral fever takes time to be controlled and patients need to remain in hospital.

No medicine shortage

She said there was no shortage of medicines and medical teams had been working in the area since the first case was reported. An ambulance was also kept ready for emergencies. So far 210 cases were detected. None of them were jaundice, Dr. Satyavathi said.

Chennakesavulu, Chief Water Analyst of Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) said water stored in sumps and pots in all the houses was contaminated. Ms. Satyavathi said stored water was chlorinated after reports of contamination.

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