Post News Network
Keonjhar, March 10: Three persons have died and over 300 have been affected by an unknown disease in last few days in Sunajhari village of Kuanr panchayat under the tribal-dominated Bansapani block of this district.
While the health department has failed to contain the disease, people of the village are panicky and suspect it to be swine flu. But the health authorities have refused to reveal anything about
the disease.
According to sources, blood samples of the people have been sent for laboratory tests. Health officials said that the real cause of fever will be known only after the test reports are available.
The health department has been actively taking steps to contain the disease following a report published recently in Oriya daily ‘Dharitri’.
According to sources, the symptom sshown by the patients match with those of swine flu. However, people have reposed their faith on the health officials.
The disease has severely affected residents of the village. Many old men and children affected by the disease are lying in their houses as they couldn’t reach the hospital. Many children have stopped attending their schools.
The blood tests have not shown malaria positive, while patients complain of severe cold, accumulation of mucus and pain in limbs.
Availing healthcare in this hilly terrain is still a dream for many. Recently, Dhaneswar Mantri, after coming from Chennai, died of the disease while undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital. Two others persons have also died.
Many tribals believe that the disease is the outcome of divine wrath and have started traditional healing.
A team of doctors visited the village Tuesday and distributed medicines.
Chief district medical officer Dr Kabiprasad Sahu said that three persons have died in the village and many are suffering from fever. He, however, said that the disease, be it swine flu or any other fever, could be ascertained only after the blood test report.