Ernakulam district in Kerala has been grappling with a significant surge in dengue fever cases, recording a staggering 547 confirmed cases in the month of June alone. This figure represents approximately 27% of the total dengue cases reported across the state during this period, highlighting the severity of the outbreak in the region.
In addition to the confirmed cases, Ernakulam reported a total of 1,180 suspected dengue cases, contributing to 14% of the state’s overall tally. The district’s battle against dengue was further marred by the unfortunate death of a 43-year-old woman from Thrikkakara on June 19, reportedly due to suspected dengue fever complications. Health officials have expressed concerns over the continuous rise in dengue cases despite extensive awareness campaigns. The primary reasons cited for the outbreak include the failure of the public to adhere to weekly dry days to eliminate stagnant water, which serves as the breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of the dengue virus. Most infection sources have been traced to water collections around residential areas and in discarded plastic waste. A health official, attributed the increase in cases to intermittent rains, which facilitate the accumulation of stagnant water. He emphasized that preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing during mosquito-biting hours (morning and evening), using mosquito repellents, and eliminating indoor water collections are crucial in curbing the spread of the disease.
Experts have also cautioned about the risks associated with secondary dengue infections, which can lead to severe complications such as a significant drop in platelet count. Differentiating between primary and secondary infections requires diagnostic tests like the NS1 test or antibody tests conducted after seven days of symptoms onset. Furthermore, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) research cell highlighted that a substantial portion of Ernakulam’s population resides in waterlogged areas prone to dengue, exacerbated by blocked drains that facilitate mosquito breeding. Asymptomatic individuals unknowingly carrying the dengue virus to workplaces pose additional transmission risks, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures within the community. The situation in Ernakulam calls for coordinated efforts from health authorities, local communities, and residents to mitigate the dengue outbreak’s impact and prevent further spread through effective public health strategies and community engagement.
