Number of persons affected by mysterious fever, suspected to be droplet viral infection, in Baalur village, near Ripponpet in Shivamogga district, has gone up to 35 with three fresh cases being reported on Monday.
While about 32 had reported fever and aches in joint and have been treated in the Primary Health Centre in Ripponpet till Sunday, three more reported with similar symptoms on Monday. The village has a population of over 500 persons.
District Health Officer Nagaraj Naik told The Hindu that, the blood samples of the patients were subjected to medical investigation during which they were tested negative for malaria, chikungunya and dengue. “Medical experts have suspected it to be a droplet viral infection. A team of medical experts from a private hospital in Manipal visited the village on Sunday and conducted medical examination. Blood samples have been sent for further test in Manipal and results are expected in four days,” he said.
Meanwhile, a medical camp has been opened in Baalur village and two doctors have been deputed. Patients, who have serious health complications, were treated at the general hospital in Sagar and at Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences.
Ample stocks of medicines have bee maintained in the village, he said.
Kalagodu Rathnakar, President of Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat has said that the local Gram Panchayat has launched a drive to control mosquitoes in Baalur and neighbouring Haalugudde village. The fogging operation was conducted at the places that are potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, he added.
