‘Unknown fever’ triggers panic in tribal village of Odisha’s Koraput

Over 100 families in Mohanpada village of Koraput district are battling an unknown disease. The illness, affecting people of all ages, begins with swelling in limbs and fever, followed by severe joint pain. Health officials suspect chikungunya.

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According to sources, a wave of panic has gripped Mohanpada village in Koraput district after an outbreak of a mysterious illness affecting over 100 families in two Wards. The condition has symptoms beginning with swelling in hands and feet, followed by fever and severe joint pain, especially in fingers, toes, and joints.

The disease, which has been affecting both children and adults, has reportedly persisted for nearly a month, with the number of infected people steadily rising.

In response, the district Health Department has deployed a special medical team to the affected village. Health workers are going from house to house, collecting blood samples for laboratory testing to identify the exact cause of illness.

Koraput Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) confirmed that the symptoms are consistent with chikungunya, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. While lab results are awaited, treatment and monitoring of the affected individuals are already underway.

Local residents remain worried as the illness has disrupted daily life and continues to spread despite intervention.

“This is a case of chikungunya, and we have already sent medical teams to the affected village. There is nothing to panic about, as it is curable. Test reports have arrived,” Koraput CDMO, Dr. Rabindra Kumar Mishra, expressed to OTV.

“Cases of chikungunya are being found in greater numbers than before in Koraput these days. Mosquito density is higher in certain areas of the district,” Officer in Charge (OIC) of Koraput Vector Control Research Centre, Dr. Anju Viswan K, stated when contacted.