In the past two months, over 180 cases have been reported in hospitals across the city; Despite the danger of an outbreak, the ancient belief in faith healing continues to thrive in the city The number of chicken pox cases has risen in the city and over 180 cases have been reported in just two months. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2011/may/temple.jpg" border="5" /> Despite the danger of an outbreak, the ancient belief in faith healing continues to thrive in the city, as the disease stalks Bangaloreans, and instead of opting for conventional treatment, many are heading to temples for a cure. The Isolation Hospital on Old Madras Road recorded 45 cases in the last month alone. Dr G Himaswetha from the hospital said, "We have had a lot of patients this summer and are providing supportive treatment to those who are not severely affected. We are also creating awareness about chicken pox." Unusual belief While 2 to 3 cases a day are being reported at hospitals in the city, deities have taken up the job of doctors. While some shun the belief in such superstition, others swear by these methods. Dr Saritha, a spiritual healer, said, "We have been getting patients with chicken pox and our guru, who has been blessed with divine powers, touches the vibhuti that is served as medication. The holy powder needs to be applied all over the patient's body and they would be healed if they have faith." Claiming to have healed several patients, priests at the Mariamma temple too believe that getting onto the spiritual route will help patients heal faster. Patients bow their heads at the feet of the deity and a priest then sprinkles neem water on them. The water is believed to work wonders on anyone, even if the illness has reached a critical stage. Shun superstition However, doctors in the city strongly oppose this 'treatment' as the illness is highly contagious. "I have had so many patients, who would listen to the list of things to do while suffering from chicken pox, and then ignore the precautionary measures suggested. They would then head to different temples and seek blessings from deities. For a disease as contagious as chicken pox, a conventional remedy should be welcomed and superstitions brushed aside," said Dr Sharmila Khanna, a pediatrician. Follow both Another pediatrician, Dr Vasanth Shetty said, "As rural patients believe in such superstitions, we don't particularly stop them. We just insist that they continue medication along with prayers. However, it is baffling that the urban patients too are swearing by superstition and shunning medical treatment." <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2011/may/Priests.jpg" border="5" /> Priests at the Mariamma temple believe that getting onto the spiritual route will help patients heal faster She added, "People are just illiterate and believe that chicken pox is a curse of the goddess. In an age when we are sending rockets to the moon, here are urban educated patients, who are thronging temples to solve the problem." Spotty Shields While actresses go to great extremes to ensure they put their best face forward, Aruna Shields has put up a repulsive picture on Facebook for the world to see. The actress is suffering from measles and has put up her nude picture on the social networking site. Her status reads: "The sick n spotty prize goes to Miss Measles. My rash came up on Friday 13th! What a disgusting virus, feels like hell..urrrrh.u00a0I'll try and enjoy the hallucinations."

In the past two months, over 180 cases have been reported in hospitals across the city; Despite the danger of an outbreak, the ancient belief in faith healing continues to thrive in the city

Bangaloreans prefer Vibhuthi over medicines

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Bangaloreans prefer Vibhuthi over medicines

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