KOCHI: Dengue takes two lives in the district. Kabir Ahsani, 32, from Vengola and Delphina, 57, from Angamaly are the victims, who died the other day. They were under treatment in private hospitals.
Further, 19 cases of dengue have been confirmed so far this month and 61 suspected cases were reported. As many as 26 cases of dengue were confirmed in the district last month and 230 suspected cases were reported. The confirmed dengue cases are from Okkal, Mazhuvannur, Chowara, Kanjoor, Rayamangalam and Kizhakkambalam.
“The monsoon has only begun. During the same period last year, we had similar outbreaks from Angamaly and Vengola region,” said Dr Sreedevi , ADMO and district surveillance officer. “The major reason behind the outbreak here are the plantations. With the rubber prices going down, the estate owners have stopped collecting rubber. They have also left the coconut shells uncovered which has led to water being collected in it and gradually becoming a breeding ground to mosquitoes.
In Neryamangalam, we have spoken to the estate owners and have enlisted their help. We will do the same in all the places. Today, there was a meeting in Vengola where we discussed the possible measures to curb the outbreak of dengue in larger numbers. It is also important that people become more aware and keep their surroundings clean,” she said.
The suspected cases were mainly reported from Angamaly, Malayattoor, Puthencruz, Ayyampuzha and Keezhmad. A total of 15,704 fever cases were reported in May while it has reached 3,875 in June so far.
Two suspected cases of H1N1 were also reported in the district late last month and one suspected case so far this month. Fourteen cases of Malaria were reported from the district last month alone. Five confirmed cases of leptospirosis have also been reported so far this month from Varappetty, Piravom, Kadavanthra and Kothamangalam.
Fever accompanied with headache, pain behind the eyes, pain in the limbs could be dengue. While dengue is harmless and curable at the first stage, it can even lead to death if it worsens. Dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are the ones that can cause death. In the case of hemorrhagic fever, there will be blood discharge from the nose, mouth and the gums, low pulse, normal than usual thirst, trouble with breathing, dizziness and black faeces.
The Health Department has issued strict instructions that people should not do self treatment, but approach the nearest hospital if they fall ill. If children fall ill, they are to be sent to school only after they make a complete recovery. Those who have dengue are also advised to sleep inside a mosquito net at all times and take proper rest.
Dengue count
61 suspected cases reported this month. As many as 26 cases were confirmed last month and 230 suspected cases were reported.