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Mosquito-borne virus threatens thousands 
Fever epidemic of 2005-2006 is flaring again

A mosquito-borne viral fever epidemic that raged across India and the islands of the Indian Ocean in 2005-2006 is flaring again, with officials reporting a caseload that could reach into the millions, and even touch the United States.

"The 37 imported cases of CHIK fever in 2006 was unprecedented in the United States; during the preceding 15-year period, 1991-2005, only seven patients had [symptoms]," according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control.

According to Salem Voice Ministries, which carries on its Christian ministry in that region of the world, official reports have put the number of cases centered in the Kerala state of India as of this month at 800,000.

"The unofficial report says more than three million people [are] affected by viral fever," the ministry said in a new report.

The reports have come from the Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts, and indicate there have been at least 100 fatalities from the virus already.

"Chikungunya fever is a viral disease acquired by humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes," the CDC explained. "Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was first identified in Tanzania in 1953, and has since been found in west, central and southern Africa and many areas of Asia."

The infection can cause a severe illness that includes symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and rash, and there is no known vaccine or specific treatment, the CDC said. It is seldom fatal when the symptoms are treated adequately, but can cause major epidemics in parts of the world where mosquitoes thrive and treatments are not readily available.

SVM said that a "cleanliness drive" is being launched this week throughout Kerala state in an attempt to contain the virus.

"Following the request from the Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi, Union Defense Minister A.K. Antony has urged the army, navy and military forces to give full support to the state government in the fever containment measures," SVM said.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss will send the director general of health to the Kerala to assess the situation, officials said. Private hospitals also are being asked to open special wards for patients with fevers.

"We pray and give top priority for the cleanliness drive to prevent the spread of the disease to new areas," Rev. Paul Ciniraj, the director of Salem Voice Ministries, and the national president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India, said.

"Please pray for our people and the children in the orphanages. They face Christian persecution [on] one side, and another side poverty and contagious disease. Prayers of the children of God [are] a great remedy," Ciniraj said.

Meanwhile, the CDC is warning travelers to that part of the world to beware of the potential problem, and avoid mosquitoes. The 2005-2006 epidemic happened on islands in the Indian Ocean and in India, resulting in millions of "clinically suspected cases," the CDC said.

The 37 cases "underscores the importance of recognizing such cases among travelers," the CDC said. "Health-care providers are encouraged to suspect CHIKV infection in travelers with fever and arthralgias who have recently returned from areas with CHIKV transmission."

Of those who were reported with the disease in the United States, "The country most commonly visited before traveling to the United States was India," the CDC said.

A report in the Hindustan Times said the Kerala government also is hoping for help from medical teams already dispatched from Secunderabad and Chennai.

A report from Rediff Indian Abroad said the medical teams included dozens of specialists, doctors and personnel to run mosquito fogging and spraying machines.

The Times of India reported that the infections need to be brought under control before the monsoon gains strength, because the rainy season typically increases the health hazards from such viruses.

SVM, which was founded in 1983 when it was called the Injil Ministries Alliance Mission, has been led by Ciniraj throughout its Indian work. It works to spread the Gospel in India and other 3rd world nations, especially among Muslims.

The organization now has about 430 missionaries, is involved with 291 home churches including 213 inside India, and works to establish Good News libraries, print and distribute tracts and is working on plans for a Bible college.

It also runs orphanages and village schools, adult education centers and provides training.