Epidemic prevention action plan to be launched in Ernakulam

With the increasing instances of infectious diseases, an epidemic prevention action plan, ‘Arogyabheri’, will be launched in the district on Friday (July 3, 2026).

Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John will launch the year-long programme, which will be jointly implemented by the district panchayat and the district Health department. The Minister will also inaugurate a workshop for health workers and local body representatives at the Kochi Corporation Town Hall at 9.30 a.m.

Announcing the programme, District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. Shahirsha R. said there had been an increase in cases of a few diseases, such as H1N1, West Nile disease and chikungunya, compared with last year. A total of 309 confirmed H1N1 cases, including three deaths, were reported in the district till June 26 this year, compared with 44 confirmed cases last year. The number of confirmed West Nile disease cases stood at seven in 2026, compared with one in 2025.

“While the number of dengue and leptospirosis cases has declined compared with last year, cases of West Nile disease and chikungunya have increased. Intensive source-reduction measures must be carried out to eliminate mosquitoes that breed in both freshwater and dirty water. We have focused on mosquito control activities targeting mosquitoes that breed in freshwater. However, this does not target Culex mosquitoes, which breed in dirty water,” the DMO said.

The first phase of the programme, from July to September, will focus on intensive awareness and disease prevention activities. He said the aim was to strengthen public participation in disease prevention. “The idea is to strengthen preventive measures through public participation and raise awareness about adopting healthy and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” Dr. Shahirsha said.

District panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan said the programme had been planned in addition to the regular pre-monsoon and monsoon cleaning drives carried out by local bodies. Ward-level teams of Accredited State Health Activists (ASHAs) and other health workers will be deployed to intensify infectious disease prevention activities by carrying out source reduction, disinfection, chlorination and spraying on a regular basis, the DMO added.