62-year-old dies of chikungunya

AHMEDABAD: A 62-year old man, Ashok Shastri, succumbed to chikungunya triggered renal and neurological complications on Monday at a city hospital on the SG highway.

Doctors said that Shastri, who was suffering from diabetes and asthma, contracted high fever few days ago. He was brought to the hospital with altered sensorium and renal complications. Doctors made attempts to save the patient but the viral fever led to inflammation in the brain too. The patient succumbed to renal and neurological complications arising due to chikungunya, attending doctor told TOI.

At a time when there is a spike in cases of mosquito bred illnesses like dengue and chikungunya, malaria and falciparum, it is essential for people especially senior citizens with existing diseases like diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart disease to be careful and remain alert.

“In cases of chikungunya, such patients with pre-existing illnesses develop high fever which leads to dehydration and renal impairment. In many patients, neurological complication like inflammation of the brain is also seen,” said critical care specialist Dr Pratibha Dilip.

Dr Pratibha said that while preventing mosquito bites will be ideal, any fever in elderly or middle aged people with pre-exisisting diseases should be reported to the doctor. “It is important to consume plenty of fluids to remain hydrated and should avoid taking pain killers,” Dr Pratibha said.

Physician Dr Manoj Vithlani said, “Fever should not be self treated in such patients. It is also important to keep a tab on kidney, liver and heart functions to avoid complications which may cause morbidity and even mortality.”