Ernakulam records two dengue deaths in October

Ernakulam recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the State in October. Two deaths were recorded in the district, according to the Health department statistics.

The month recorded a spike in the number of cases compared to September. The district registered a total of 533 suspected and confirmed cases in October. Among these 533 cases, 138 were confirmed dengue infections, while 395 were suspected cases.

The people who succumbed to the disease include a 68-year-old man from Malayidamthurthu and a 57-year-old man from Kothakulam, Kaitharam.

A total of 462 (confirmed and suspected) cases were recorded in September. A spike in the number of cases has been observed in October, with the total cases jumping by 71. No deaths were reported in the district in September.

Only two deaths were reported in the State in September, while the number rose to seven in October. Deaths were reported from Kottayam (1), Malappuram (1), Ernakulam (2), Kannur (2), and Thiruvananthapuram (1).

Cases were reported from the Kochi Corporation limits as well. Confirmed cases were reported from places such as Thammanam, Edappally, Vennala, Kakkanad, Kaloor, and Kadavanthra.

However, Kochi Corporation health standing committee chairperson T.K. Ashraf said that the cases were negligible, and that the civic body’s mosquito control measures such as fogging had helped reduce mosquitoes.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, emphasised the need for a targeted approach to mosquito control.

“Considerable amount of transmission happens indoors. Once a mosquito gets trapped inside, it can survive for several days, bite people, and quickly spread the disease. It can even spread the disease from someone who is infected but shows no symptoms,” he explained.

He added that the approach needs to be multi-pronged. While waterlogging in Kochi has been addressed to a large extent, more could be done. “Infected people should use mosquito nets to help prevent the spread of the disease. We also need to implement targeted, year-round mosquito control measures,” he said.

Other regions where the cases were reported include Chittattukara, Choornikkara, Kakkanad, Kalamassery, Perumbavoor, Ponnurunni, and Aluva, among others.

The highest number of cases were reported on October 22 and October 29, where a total of 33 and 35 cases (confirmed and suspected) were recorded respectively.