Viral fever epidemic in Kerala

Kerala is once again in the grip of a viral fever. This time the situation is worse than last year (2006). All the more mysterious is the fact that most lab tests are negative for most known pathogens (viruses) and the cause is presumed to be chikungunya virus. Then why are tests for chikungunya negative. Possibly, this time (May to Sep 2007), the virus is a mutated sub-strain. Worst is the distribution of the epidemic; whole villages and towns in the rural areas are affected, sparing almost no one. Surprisingly, children are relatively spared with the elderly worst affected. As before, most patients have symptoms of severe bodyache, low grade fever and joint pain and swelling.
Treatment:
1) bed rest
2) Meftal 500 mg (oral) -2 to 3 times a day is found to be VERY effective in controlling the joint pain and bodyache. (Meftal- is mefenamic acid with paracetamol). Caution: not be taken on empty stomach. May cause gastritis.
3) plenty of fluids
Note: Please consult your physician before starting treatment.

18th September- update

Have a look at some of the best 3D images of Cleft palate (with cleft lip) available on the internet at: http://drjoea.googlepages.com/obstetric-3 This is 3D sonography at its best. Also added to the free gallery: a new page on lesions of the pancreas at: http://drjoea.googlepages.com/pancreas The first case here is one on pancreatitis.
Dr. Joe Antony, MD

Update- 13th september 2007

At the link: http://drjoea.googlepages.com/nice-pictures
I have added a few images of a nice case of a hypertrophied clitoris in a female fetus. Also, an amusing picture of fetal activity..(check it out).

Update for 11th september 2007:

At the link: http://drjoea.googlepages.com/nice-pictures I have created a new page on my free ultrasound gallery that deals with interesting, amusing and insightful sonographic images. Enjoy..and good scanning to all fellow imagers.
And, here are some nice pictures from Dr. Vikas Arora, India. They show that the fetus often aspirates and regurgitates fluid from the nose and mouth.

Ultrasound images large varicocele

This 45 yr. old male patient had loss of libido. Ultrasound images show a large varicocele of the left side.

The veins measured 5.2 mm. in the supine position!

You can view more sonographic and color doppler images at:
http://drjoea.googlepages.com/scrotum

Updates for 9th September 2007:

Check: http://drjoea.googlepages.com/musculoskeletal for ultrasound images of Achilles tendonitis.
Also have a look at the images posted at:
http://drjoea.googlepages.com/obstetric-3 where I present a case of fetal abdominal cyst.
As usual, you'll find free high resolution images.
Dr. Joe Antony, MD.

Sonography of deep vein thrombosis:

Check out some lovely and self-explanatory, color doppler and gray-scale ultrasound images of Deep vein thrombosis at: http://drjoea.googlepages.com/vascular These images are well labelled and of the highest resolution. The added text describes the various techniques used to diagnose thrombosis.
Dr. Joe Antony, MD.