Kerala Faces Surge in Dengue and Fever Cases with 10,000 Daily Treatments
Kerala is experiencing a significant surge in fever and dengue cases, with over 10,000 people seeking treatment for fever daily. Within a ten-day period, 1075 dengue cases have been reported, with 182 new cases diagnosed on June 26 alone. Ernakulam is the hardest-hit district, but cases are also rising in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur.
In addition to dengue, other infectious diseases are on the rise. Malappuram reported the highest number of fever cases at 1719, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 1279 and Palakkad with 1008. Dengue cases in June have already reached 2013, doubling the count from May. The state has also seen a three-and-a-half-fold increase in H1N1 cases, with 217 reported this month, alongside 127 Leptospirosis cases. Sadly, 26 people have died from dengue fever, Leptospirosis, and H1N1.
The increase in infections has been attributed to inadequate pre-monsoon cleaning, delayed by the election code of conduct. Funds for sanitation were not utilized promptly, leaving districts like Thiruvananthapuram vulnerable. In June alone, there were 229,772 fever cases resulting in seven deaths, 2013 dengue cases with three deaths, 268 rat fever cases with 18 deaths, 308 H1N1 cases with five deaths, 542 yellow bile cases with five deaths, and smaller numbers of other infectious diseases.
To prevent a further outbreak of dengue fever, Health Minister Veena George has emphasized the importance of mosquito control measures. These include eliminating stagnant water sources, using mosquito nets and repellents, and ensuring proper waste disposal. Residents are urged to take precautions, such as keeping windows and doors closed during peak mosquito activity times and wearing protective clothing.
