ABSTRACT
After about three decades, Chikungunya infection has re-emerged in India and the first cases were reported in December, 2005. The outbreak has currently affected about 8 states in the country. Although known to be commonly non fatal, since the present outbreak involved a large population, it has been raised as an issue of public health concern and also attracted wide media attention. The clinico-epidemioiogical and entomological review of the Chikungunya outbreak situation in Hyderabad and Nalgonda Districts of Andhra Pradesh, which started in December 2005, revealed that it is under control. However, preventive efforts need to continue and disease surveillance for early detection of potential outbreaks further strengthening. Given the significantly high House Index, all the three study areas remain at significant risk of outbreaks in the future if appropriate control measures are not put in place. Community support and participation is also crucial for the prevention of future outbreaks and improving the health and well being of population in the districts
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Chikungunya virus , Disease Outbreaks , EpidemiologyABSTRACT
Terminalia arjuna has been reported as a cardio tonic in the ancient literature. Its bark is used in many commercial formulations. Its effect on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction has been studied. Treatment of albino rats with T. arjuna bark showed a marked cardio protective effect. The administration of isoproterenol significantly increased the levels of SGOT, SGPT, CPK and alkaline phosphatase. T. arjuna treatment prevented the elevation of the activities of these enzymes. Further, the treatment with T. arjuna alone caused a marked decrease in the basal activities of SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase, bringing them below the normal levels, present in control animals. It also affected the serum HDL and triglyceride levels overcoming the adverse effect of isoproterenol on these parameters. These effects were further substantiated by the histopathological studies of cardiac tissues. These data suggest that T. arjuna can be used as a general cardio tonic and can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of heart ailments