NEW DELHI: With three suspected cases of Chikungunya being reported in the Capital, doctors have warned Delhiites about the need to protect themselves against the virus. With symptoms deceptively similar to viral fever that is widespread in the Capital at present, Chikungunya cases have been confirmed in other parts of the country including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala.

"We had three cases of suspected Chikungunya, all coming in from the Army Camp near the Delhi High Court. The patients suspected with Chikungunya are in the age group of 27 to 30 years and while tests conducted by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases did not confirm Chikungunya, we have warned that the virus could have been in incubation period, We will be sending the samples for more tests next week," said Heart Care Foundation of India president Dr. K.K. Aggarwal. who treated the patients early this week.

Chikungunya is a rare form of viral disease characterised by fever, joint pains and is spread by Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. It is characterised by high fever (101F-104F), headache, vomiting and joint pains in the wrist, knees and ankles. Swollen and painful joints are characteristic of this disease.

According to experts, Chikungunya can last from a few days to a few months. A couple of days after the onset of fever, a rash may be noticed over the trunk and limbs. The disease is self-limiting and rarely fatal and, unlike dengue fever, bleeding manifestation is not common in this disease.

Symptomatic treatment is recommended after excluding other more dangerous diseases.

Said Delhi Medical Council member Anil Bansal: "We are getting a large number of viral fever cases. Delhi has also seen a rise in the number of dengue cases too. Deaths are also being reported from various hospitals in the city and we have issued a general warning."

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