Dengue cases spike in Kerala, Alert issued in seven districts

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has been seeing a spike in the number of dengue fever cases. The state government has issued an alert in seven districts - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram.

State health minister Veena George said the government has decided to observe a dry day campaign every week by cleaning public places and removing stagnant water. She added that other districts should also remain vigilant and try to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Local bodies have received instructions to inspect construction sites, drainage, and other possible spots for waterlogging.

Experts said that 5 mm of water is enough to breed 300 mosquitoes in four to six weeks. "The rains extended till October and this has led to increased mosquito breeding and that is why we are seeing a rise in cases across India," said a senior scientist working at the National Institute of Virology, Pune.

She also chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation. She said: "All districts have been asked to follow the action plan and a proper evaluation will be conducted. The cleaning fund for each ward in the local bodies must be utilised effectively."

Dengue fever rarely results in death but causes severe flu-like sickness. This year, Kerala has been witnessing an increase in dengue cases with 3,521 confirmed cases and 24 deaths in 10 months. Intermittent rain is suspected to be a major factor. According to the health department, 60% of cases are reported in Thiruvananthapuram.