‘Mysterious’ fever claims 14 lives in Gujarat, state government deploys 50 medical teams to affected areas – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A ‘mysterious’ fever has struck seven villages in the Lakhpat and Abdasa talukas of Kutch district, Gujarat, resulting in 14 deaths, including six children. The Gujarat government, in response, has deployed specialist doctors and 50 medical teams to the affected areas to address the crisis.
Health minister Rushikesh Patel convened a review meeting in Bhuj to evaluate the situation and ongoing measures.Patel reported that between September 3 and 10, 48 new cases of fever had been identified in the region.
In response, the government has prepared 100 isolation beds, 30 ventilators, and BiPAP machines at Adani G K General Hospital to handle emergencies. “We have deputed a cardiologist and two expert physicians along with 50 medical teams led by MBBS doctors in this region for early diagnosis and treatment,” Patel said.
The minister reassured that while the situation is serious, it does not constitute an outbreak like Covid-19. He urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
Ambulances are also on standby to transport patients to the designated hospital, which is equipped to manage the influx of cases.

What is known about the virus?

The Animal Husbandry department has dismissed zoonotic diseases as a cause. Samples from infected patients have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further analysis to determine the fever’s exact cause.
The fever’s spread is suspected to be linked to recent heavy rains in the Kutch district. Some symptoms resemble those of pneumonitis, prompting the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to conduct detailed investigations to uncover the illness’s origin.
The health department has also ruled out an outbreak of communicable diseases, citing the lack of cluster infections.