Monday, October 10, 2016

Exponential Rise in Chikungunya Cases in New Dehli

Based on a recent article published by The Economic Times on October 3rd, 2016, Dehli has experienced an exponential rise in the number of Chikungunya (a vector borne disease spread via mosquitoes) Cases, a 43% increase in cases over th past week. Approximately 3,700 cases were reported up until September 24th; however, the current count indicates that at least 5.293 people have been diagnosed with Chikungunya. However, fatalities remain low to be approximately 15 cases resulting from Chikungunya related complications.

Many have attempted to identify the cause of such sharp increase in the number of Chikungunya cases. Some researchers have hypothesized a specific mutation in the viral genome; however, the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) states that the viral genome of the recent Chikungunya cases are identical to the genome of Chikungunya cases in 2006. The Chikungunya Virus also contains only one serotype with three genotypes consisting of Asian, West African, and East Central South African. Some contemplate that the increase could be a recent of increased immigration of people who were not exposed to the virus during the 2006 outbreak.

The reader should recognize the fact that these numbers indicate Chikungunya cases for one CITY, and there are many more people afflicted with the virus in the COUNTRY of India (with a total case count of approximately 19,617 cases).

Check out the article here: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/delhi-nearly-5300-chikungunya-cases-43-per-cent-rise-over-last-week/articleshow/54658075.cms 

~Michelle Bach (Humans and Viruses 2016-2017)

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