Kozhikode: The spread of chikungunya and dengue fever is creating fear psychosis among the residents in Kozhikode district.

One person reportedly succumbed to dengue fever at a private hospital on Saturday morning. K.N. Maheshkumar, 32, hailing from Patteri was admitted to the hospital following fever three days ago.

However, officials are yet to confirm whether the cause of his death was dengue fever.

The increase in the number of chikungunya cases in the hilly parts of the district is also causing concern among residents and the district administration.

Symptoms

Experts say the symptoms of chikungunya include headache, conjunctival infection and slight photophobia.

High fever and crippling joint pain are the prevalent complaints in the State.

District Collector A. Jayathilak held a meeting of officials at the Kodencherry grama panchayat hall on Saturday to discuss steps to provide treatment to the affected and to take precautionary measures.

Officially at least two cases of chikungunya were confirmed in the region.

Funds set aside

In-patient wards would be set up in the area after it was found that the Kodencherry Primary Health Centre lacked the facility.

The local body was asked to identify a place for the Department of Health Services to set up such services.

A sum of Rs. 1 lakh was also released from the District Comprehensive Sanitation Scheme for the purpose. Each ward would be given Rs. 20,000 and Primary Health Centre, Rs 25,000, Dr. Jayathilak said.

He said that medicines would be distributed free of cost to patients.

The services of the Kudumbasree volunteers would also be made available to tackle chikungunya. Steps would be taken to chlorinate water resources.

An intense operation would be undertaken for three days from Monday to clear water clogging.

A medical camp would be opened at Chembukkadavu on Monday.

He also visited the Ambedkar Adivasi Colony and a private hospital.

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