BHOPAL, Dec. 25 -- Madhya Pradesh is grappling with a rising number of Chikungunya cases, with the disease spreading rapidly despite crores of rupees spent annually to combat virus-borne illnesses.

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by mosquito bites; it causes fever, severe joint pain and rash on the body. Chikungunya occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian sub continent.

A definitive diagnosis of Chikungunya infection can be made only with the aid of laboratory support since clinically, symptoms resemble those of dengue fever. Laboratory diagnosis is therefore ...