Maharashtra is grappling with a concerning rise in chikungunya cases, prompting the state health department to form a task force to investigate the matter. The task force aims to determine whether a new variant of the virus is responsible for the unusual symptoms being reported.
While Mumbai has seen a significant increase in chikungunya cases compared to last year, the task force was established amid growing concerns about a potentially more severe viral strain in Pune. The health department has clarified that the reported symptoms, such as neurological issues, paralysis, and hyperpigmentation, are not unprecedented. These symptoms have been observed in the past, particularly in patients co-infected with other illnesses like dengue, Zika, or Japanese encephalitis. Mumbai reported 78 chikungunya cases in the first 15 days of September, surpassing the total number of cases reported for the entire month last year. Pune has recorded an even higher number of cases, with 139 reported in September alone. Much of the data from Pune comes from private hospitals, where diagnostic costs are higher.
Healthcare professionals in Mumbai have observed that while the number of chikungunya cases is higher this year, the variant circulating in the city is generally milder. Patients are presenting with severe pain, but the symptoms are not as severe as those reported in other regions. While some patients in Pune have reported difficulty passing urine and hyperpigmentation, there have been no reported cases of paralysis. The task force is working diligently to investigate the matter and determine the cause of the unusual symptoms. The surge in chikungunya cases in Maharashtra highlights the ongoing challenges posed by vector-borne diseases. As the state continues to grapple with this outbreak, it is crucial to implement effective prevention and control measures to protect public health.
