Ernakulam still tops Kerala in flu cases, but severity eases
Ernakulam reports the highest influenza cases in Kerala, with 274 of 607 state cases in early September. Officials cite mobility and testing, while doctors note reduced severity.
Ernakulam continues to record the highest number of influenza cases in Kerala, and the trend has persisted into September. In the first five days of the month, the district accounted for 274 of the 607 cases reported across the state. Five deaths were recorded statewide during this period.
District Medical Officer Dr. R. Shahirsha attributed the high numbers to the district's mobile population and more extensive testing, which naturally leads to higher reporting. He said there is no cause for alarm and stressed that social distancing and mask use remain key preventive measures.
August saw 954 cases in Ernakulam out of more than 2,700 statewide. Since January, Kerala has logged 9,377 influenza cases and 104 deaths.
Dr. G. Sathyajith Nair, a paediatrician and secretary of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kochi Branch, observed that the case count is gradually declining. He noted that the peak, when hospitals ran out of beds, has passed. Although infections continue, the severity of illness has lessened, and he expects cases to dip further within two months.
Dr. Nair emphasised vaccination as the key safeguard against hospitalisation and complications. He pointed out that vaccinated children were the least affected in the current wave, calling the situation a recurring post-pandemic pattern.