Ernakulam Tops Kerala's Influenza Chart as District Rolls Out Arogyabheri
Ernakulam leads Kerala with 969 influenza cases, as the district launches the year-long Arogyabheri prevention drive and braces for a possible El Niño-linked fever surge.
Ernakulam has recorded the highest number of influenza cases in Kerala, with 969 infections confirmed in the district up to September 26. Across the State, 2,205 influenza cases were confirmed during the month, and 20 deaths have been attributed to the disease.
With fever and influenza cases yet to show any sign of easing, doctors have called on the public to follow measures that check person-to-person transmission. District Medical Officer Dr. R. Shahirsha said field reports do not point to a marked rise in fever or influenza cases at present, but warned that the El Niño phenomenon could drive an increase in fever cases in April next year.
"Our target is to prevent person-to-person transmission as much as possible," she said, adding that the emphasis is on building community awareness.
To that end, the epidemic prevention action plan 'Arogyabheri' has been rolled out in all local bodies from September. The year-long programme is being implemented jointly by the district panchayat and the Health department, and was launched after a rise in cases of diseases such as H1N1, West Nile disease and chikungunya compared with the previous year.
Dr. Shahirsha said the focus is on preventive measures driven by public participation and on raising awareness about healthy and sanitation practices to curb the spread of infectious diseases, with health education programmes launched for the purpose.
The district has also reported 58 confirmed and 12 suspected leptospirosis cases this month, along with 649 suspected and 234 confirmed dengue cases. Four deaths due to leptospirosis have been recorded in Ernakulam.
Rajeev Jayadevan, convener of the research cell of the Indian Medical Association's Kerala State unit, said the flu season will end soon. He attributed the district's continued reporting of influenza and dengue cases partly to its status as a travel hub. As the monsoon ends, influenza cases should subside, and leptospirosis cases should fall as the ground dries up, he said, adding that fever cases are persisting because the recent festive season would have aided the spread of various viruses.