Three cases of chikungunya were reported and over 50 people down with fever in Achankuttapatti in Ayothiyapattinam block near Salem on Sunday. Health officials, who rushed to the spot, distributed medicines and engaged themselves in anti-larval and fogging operations.
Three villagers were tested positive and the rest were suffering from viral or bacterial infection.
Deputy Director of Health Services K. Jegadeesh Kumar told The Hindu that anti-larval and fogging operations were carried out in the affected places. The health officials asked the villagers to take preventive measures such as closing of water storage containers and boiling of drinking water. In case of continuous fever, headache, fatigue or muscle pain, they had been advised to approach primary health centres or hospitals immediately.