Health officials have sounded caution and warned against self-medication in the wake of a renewed spate of fever cases, including influenza, in the district, triggered by soaring temperatures over the past few weeks.
The district continues to report the highest number of influenza cases in the State, while dengue and leptospirosis cases also persist. Medical professionals have urged people to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Rajany Jose, Professor of community medicine and coordinator of the Prevention of Epidemic and Infectious Diseases (PEID) cell at the Government Medical Hospital, Ernakulam, stressed the need for caution, especially among young children and the elderly, given the continued spread of viruses. “With viruses still in circulation, much caution is required. The rapidly fluctuating temperature is not helping either. Rajany. “The changing climate and the recent festive season may have exacerbated the spread of infectious diseases, especially respiratory viruses. The changing climate may have contributed to increased viral activity, noted Arun N.M., an internal medicine consultant. He urged those with infections to avoid public places.
Three deaths due to leptospirosis have also been reported in the district. Because the rain is over, rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of research cell, IMA, Kerala State, emphasised that infection rates would not drop simply. A total of 533 influenza cases were reported from Ernakulam till September 11, while the State recorded around 1,222 cases during the month. The district also reported 28 confirmed and four suspected cases of leptospirosis, along with 307 suspected and 128 confirmed dengue cases.
The general expectation that cases would decline once the rain stopped has been belied,” said Dr. Hot weather is going to affect the very young and the elderly the most, and they must be kept hydrated,” he said. “Following basic hygiene measures, such as wearing a mask when infected and avoiding crowded places, can help prevent the spread of diseases,” he said.
