As a large number of cases have proved negative for dengue, chikungunya, typhoid and other vector-borne diseases, Health Department officials in Mysuru suspect that the increasing number of fever cases in hospitals may be caused by an uncommon virus.
The department has decided to take help from the Manipal Centre for Viral Research in Udupi to ascertain what virus is causing illness among people in the district. The department will soon send blood samples and case history copies to the centre. Officials expect a report from the centre in a week.
Most of the blood samples in suspected dengue cases have proved negative of dengue, chikungunya and typhoid in the ELISA test. This has caused both anxiety and curiosity among health officials in the district.
S. Chidambar, the district vector-borne diseases control officer, told The Hindu on Thursday that many cases that were clinically suspected to be dengue-positive had proved negative in the ELISA test.
He said that of the 1,409 fever cases reported in the district since January, 256 tested positive for dengue and 11 for chikungunya. Although the remaining patients also displayed dengue-like symptoms, their blood samples did not test positive for dengue, chikungunya or malaria.
“We, the doctors in the Health Department, are greatly perturbed by this. We strongly suspect that an uncommon virus may be causing illness among the people,” he said.
As many as 13 people, including a pregnant woman and six children, have died of fever-related ailments since January. However, the District Death Audit Committee has ruled out dengue in 12 of the cases, putting fever down as the reason. “One case tested positive for dengue and was referred to the State Death Audit Committee,” Dr. Chidambar said.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Mysuru continue to be flooded with patients with fever. K.R. Hospital has converted all its special wards into general wards so that more people can be accommodated.
