ERNAKULAM, KERALA: Contagious diseases are on the rise in the state with the onset of the monsoon, with 23 deaths and 1.5 lakh fever cases due to dengue and rat fever being reported since the first week of June, forcing the health department to take precautionary measures.
Bacterial and viral diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue and viral fever are spreading across the state, causing major concern for the health department, which has already advised the public to be cautious.
The highest number of cases is reported in Ernakulam district, with more than 1000 people being admitted to various hospitals due to dengue and other viral fever-related cases.
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In the wake of the monsoon, state health minister Veena George has emphasised the need to enhance surveillance against communicable diseases at district levels by organising meetings and field visits on a day-to-day basis.
A high-level meeting was convened by the health minister on June 17th to assess the current situation of communicable diseases in the state. The message was loud and clear – the highest attention should be given to dengue fever and leptospirosis and field level vigilance should be intensified.
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In the wake of the ongoing scenario, a meeting of the panchayat, municipality authorities and the health department was convened on May 30. Also, ASHA workers have been tasked with visiting houses and creating awareness among the residents in the most vulnerable locations of the state.
“I appeal to people working on the field to use boots to prevent rat bites, wear gloves and consume one doxycycline tablet once a week”, said health minister Veena George.
The state health department has issued a directive to people not to resort to self-medication and to consult a medical doctor. At least 877 dengue fever cases were reported from across the state in the past seven days.
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