District in the grip of dengue

Ernakulam is in the grip of dengue fever as at least 25 to 30 cases are getting reported every day from various parts of the district.

On Friday, 29 cases were reported taking the total number of cases this month to 203, and the number of cases from January to June 9 to 988. The spurt in diseases had started last month with intermittent pre-monsoon showers. Payipra had reported most number of dengue cases last month (335). “The number of cases has gone down there now,” said District Surveillance Officer Dr. Jayashree. In April, there were 156 cases.

There is also an increase in the number of leptospirosis and acute diarrhoeal diseases. Hepatitis A and H1N1 cases are also being reported daily.

Dr. Jayashree said that an upward trend could be seen over the past two years. The numbers of dengue cases reported from January to June 9 in 2015 were 148 (suspected) and 85 (confirmed). In 2016, it had gone up to 358 suspected cases and 128 confirmed cases.

“Disease control measures are on in the district,” she added. Group activities have been planned on various days, including awareness campaigns. Activities will be carried out in the coming week in panchayats where more number of cases had been reported. Group activities in schools will be held on June 20, in hotels on June 24, and at migrant worker camps on June 27.

With the Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) week coming up from June 12, the campaign will also be utilised to create awareness on diseases, sanitation and health.