Chikungunya severity has considerably reduced: Chief Secretary

Chennai, Oct 9 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Government today announced that the severity of chikungunya had reduced considerably in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, state Chief Secretary L K Tripathy said so far 62,698 chikungunya cases had been reported in the state.

''However, the gravity of the situation had changed and only a fewer number of new cases were being reported now,'' he added.

In the first week of October, only 226 fresh cases were reported in eight districts, including Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Tiruchirapalli and in the Chennai Corporation.

Denying reports that 232 people had died of chikungunya in the state, Mr Tripathy maintained that the viral fever was not a fatal disease.

He said people who were murdered, committed suicide, died in accidents and of various other ailments figured in the list of casualties published by some newspapers. Nine of them were still alive, he added.

The official said the World Health Organisation(WHO) had clearly stated that chikungunya was not a life-threatening disease.

On the Tamil Nadu Government's request, the Centre had deputed a medical team to the state to assess the situation and extend necessary assistance, he added.