Chikungunya

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Alappuzha, Oct 13 (UNI) A new generation of a complex form of Japanese Encephalitis and West Nile virus has been found in Cherthala taluk of this district where more than 100 people died of suspected Chikungunya.

According to government doctors here, the central and the WHO teams, which visited Cherthala last week, have found that the mutation of Japanese Encephalitis and West Nile virus have produced a new generation of virus.

The experts noted that if patients in the area have sypmtoms of both these diseases they show the presence of a complex form of virus, the doctors added.

The genetic changes in the mosquitoes in the area were also reported to be unparalleled as 12 out of 38 species of mosquitoes were found dangerous.

Earlier, the mosquitoes in the area could spread only Filariasis but because of genetic changes they had become carriers of more than five fever pathogenic agents.

The experts feel that if this change continues, the mosquitoes may even become HIV carriers one day, the doctors said.

The process of wiping out mosquitoes was not sufficient as they produce enzymes to survive pesticides and chemicals.

The team has also suggested a detailed study into the mutation and evolution of mosquitoes, the doctors noted.