Ronan Kelly
Retired 2020
Monsoon of diseases
June 2, 2011 DC Kochi
.June 1: When rain splashes the state without fail on June 1, people are lashed also by a mix of emotions; it brings cheer, nostalgia and the threat of epidemics. Precautions are taken every year. Right from the ?monsoon cleanliness drive? to spreading awareness about hygiene, the last days of summer see a flurry of activities as authorities tread the predictable path. Yet, diseases make their presence felt this time every year, resulting in a heavy rush of patients in the OP sections of all hospitals.
Much to the concern of health officials and the public, Japanese encephalitis cases have been reported in Alappuzha and Thrissur districts. Chikungunya that once raged across the state and left many writhing in pain is also back along with dreaded malaria and leptospirosis. Since mosquito menace remains uncontrolled, the majority of the diseases affecting the district are vector-borne like dengue fever, chikungunya and malaria. Malaria, once believed to have been eradicated from the state, has been reported from some parts of Ernakulam where migrant labourers live. This year, Ernakulam region reported 21 malaria cases, with 13 of them in May alone.
Viral fever cases are also on the rise now, with 344 reported from various parts of the district on Monday. Last week, the number was 1,600 and it rose to 1,900 this week. An average of 300 cases is being reported from the district daily now. ?We have given the alert regarding Japanese encephalitis though no cases have been reported in Ernakulam,? says district medical officer, Dr Sudhakaran. ?It is spread by migratory birds and we have Thattekkadu and Mangalavanam where such birds camp. The threat is more if such sanctuaries have pig farms in the neighbourhood. Since we do not have such a situation, we do not anticipate any problem. But we are taking all precautions and have asked all health officials to look out for symptoms,? he says.
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http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/monsoon-diseases-826
June 2, 2011 DC Kochi
.June 1: When rain splashes the state without fail on June 1, people are lashed also by a mix of emotions; it brings cheer, nostalgia and the threat of epidemics. Precautions are taken every year. Right from the ?monsoon cleanliness drive? to spreading awareness about hygiene, the last days of summer see a flurry of activities as authorities tread the predictable path. Yet, diseases make their presence felt this time every year, resulting in a heavy rush of patients in the OP sections of all hospitals.
Much to the concern of health officials and the public, Japanese encephalitis cases have been reported in Alappuzha and Thrissur districts. Chikungunya that once raged across the state and left many writhing in pain is also back along with dreaded malaria and leptospirosis. Since mosquito menace remains uncontrolled, the majority of the diseases affecting the district are vector-borne like dengue fever, chikungunya and malaria. Malaria, once believed to have been eradicated from the state, has been reported from some parts of Ernakulam where migrant labourers live. This year, Ernakulam region reported 21 malaria cases, with 13 of them in May alone.
Viral fever cases are also on the rise now, with 344 reported from various parts of the district on Monday. Last week, the number was 1,600 and it rose to 1,900 this week. An average of 300 cases is being reported from the district daily now. ?We have given the alert regarding Japanese encephalitis though no cases have been reported in Ernakulam,? says district medical officer, Dr Sudhakaran. ?It is spread by migratory birds and we have Thattekkadu and Mangalavanam where such birds camp. The threat is more if such sanctuaries have pig farms in the neighbourhood. Since we do not have such a situation, we do not anticipate any problem. But we are taking all precautions and have asked all health officials to look out for symptoms,? he says.
....
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/monsoon-diseases-826