Mysterious Fever Claims 15 Lives in Gujarat's Kutch District, Health Dept On Alert

Kutch: A mysterious fever has swept through Kutch district in Gujarat , claiming 15 lives over the past eight days. The fatalities have been reported primarily in Lakhpat and Abdasa talukas, prompting concern from both district and state authorities.

Health Minister Visits Affected Areas

In response to the rising death toll, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel visited Kutch today. Accompanied by the Minister of State for Education and Kutch District In-charge Praful Panseria, Patel reviewed the situation and met with health officials. Patel is scheduled to visit the hardest-hit areas of Lakhpat and Abdasa tomorrow.

Emergency Measures and Medical Preparations

Following the review, Patel informed the media that 48 new fever cases have been detected in seven villages within Lakhpat and Abdasa. The district administration has made several preparations to manage the crisis:

- 100 isolation beds have been set up.

- 30 ventilators and BiPAP machines are in place.

- Cardiologists and two expert physicians have been deployed.

- 50 medical teams, led by MBBS doctors, are working in the affected areas.

- Ambulances from the '108 service' have been dispatched.

Disease Investigation and Current Findings

Kutch Collector Amit Arora stated that the deaths are likely due to pneumonitis, with symptoms resembling viral fever and cold. 

The health department has ruled out several infectious diseases, including H1N1, dengue, malaria, COVID-19, and Crimean-Congo fever, as no simultaneous infections have been detected. 

Of the 27 contacts and symptomatic individuals surveyed, the Rapid Response Team identified two cases of falciparum malaria, two cases of swine flu, and one case of dengue.