The government on Friday described the spread of chikungunya in Kerala [Images] as an "epidemic outbreak" and underlined the need for preventive measures to contain the disease, which has claimed 81 lives so far in the state.

"This is the epidemic outbreak of chikungunya and the fever incidence is very high. We have to take effective preventive measures in order to contain the epidemic outbreak," said P L Joshi, director of National Vector Born Disease Control.

Asked about the deaths, reported to have occurred due to the disease, he said, "A team is investigating the deaths reported by the state and once they come out with the report, we will convey to the state accordingly. This may take 2-3 days, maximum a week."

Stressing a need for community participation and social mobilisation, Joshi said, "This mosquito breeds in houses, so unless the community is made aware and they participate in prevention of breeding, it will be very difficult to control. But once we have social mobilisation we can prevent the spread of this disease very effectively."

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss announced a special package for Kerala to combat chikungunya.