Communicable Diseases Rise in Keralam as 11,921 Seek Treatment for Fever in a Single Day

Thiruvananthapuram: Communicable diseases are on the rise in Keralam, with a large number of people seeking treatment for fever, chikungunya, dengue fever and leptospirosis over the past week. According to Health Department figures, 11,921 people sought treatment for fever across the state on Tuesday alone. As many as 156 people were admitted to hospitals for observation. Malappuram recorded the highest number of fever cases, with 2,961 outpatient cases reported.

On Tuesday alone, 92 people tested positive for dengue fever in the state. Palakkad recorded the highest number with 19 cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 18, Thrissur with 15 and Ernakulam with 11. A total of 264 suspected dengue cases were also reported. Leptospirosis was confirmed in 17 people across the state, while two deaths due to the disease were reported on Tuesday. The deaths occurred in Thrissur and Malappuram districts.

Jaundice was confirmed in 33 people on Tuesday. The state also recorded 1,979 cases of diarrhoeal diseases and 145 cases of influenza. Chickenpox was reported in 83 people, while three cases of shigella and eight cases of malaria were also recorded.

A total of 1,09,087 people have sought treatment for fever in the state this month. Two fever-related deaths have also been reported. So far this month, dengue fever has been confirmed in 902 people. Leptospirosis has been confirmed in 147 people, with 10 deaths reported. Keralam has recorded 271 cases of jaundice in August. As many as 17,198 diarrhoeal disease cases and 983 influenza cases have been confirmed, while 16 influenza-related deaths have been reported. Chickenpox has been confirmed in 812 people this month alone.

With rain and rain-related disasters continuing, people have been advised to remain vigilant against communicable diseases. Boiled and cooled water should be used. Those who have come into contact with stagnant water should take doxycycline as a preventive medicine against leptospirosis. People with cough or sneezing should wear masks.

Those suffering from fever should not resort to self-medication. ORS should be taken as advised if symptoms of diarrhoea occur. Food should be consumed while it is hot. People with lifestyle diseases should ensure that they take their medicines regularly. Pets should be kept away from relief camps as far as possible. Well water should be chlorinated using bleaching powder.

Special care should be given to children, pregnant women and palliative care patients.