Ernakulam accounted for around 30% of the confirmed dengue cases reported in Kerala over the past two weeks, according to official estimates.
Of the total 1,285 confirmed cases reported since June 15, 402 were reported in the district, indicating the spike in the number of dengue cases. Around 160 confirmed cases were recorded in Ernakulam between May 24 and June 12.
The total number of suspected dengue cases between June 16 and June 28 also witnessed an upward tick in the district. Over 400 such cases were reported over the past two weeks. The total number of suspected cases in the State during the corresponding period was about 3,400.
The highest number of confirmed cases in the period was recorded on June 26. The areas that reported the cases include Alangad, Aluva, Binanipuram, Cheruvattoor, Choornikkara, Edathala, Elenji, Karumalloor, Keezhmad, Koonammavu, Koothattukulam, Kumbalanghi, Kuthapady, Malayattoor, Maneed, Moothakkunnam, Piravom, Ponnurunni, Ramamangalam, Thammanam, Thiruvamkulam, Thrikkakara, Vadavucode, Varappetty, Varapuzha, Vazhakkulam, Vengola, Vennala and Mattanchery. Fort Kochi, Kakkanad and Kalamassery had the highest number of cases on June 26 (11 each).
On June 28 and 29, the district had reported 54 confirmed cases each. Some of the affected areas on these days include Ayavana, Chellanam, Cheranelloor, Cheruvattoor, Chittattukara, Choornikkara, Chowara, Edappally, Edathala, Eloor, Kodanad, Kothamangalam, Kottapady, Kuthapady, Kuttampuzha, Moolamkuzhi, North Paravur, Nayarambalam, Ponnurunni, Piravom, Punnekkad, Thrikkakkara, Varappetty, Varappuzha and Mattanchery. Gothuruth and Kalamassery had the highest number of confirmed cases (nine each).
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman, Research Cell, Indian Medical Association Kerala State branch, pointed out that “mosquitoes that circulated in the first half of the year spreading dengue have all laid eggs in the surroundings, which will hatch in the rainy season and new mosquitoes will come out loaded with the dengue virus”. “Thus, in areas that had heavy dengue burden in the past we can expect to find a resurgence of dengue in the near future. People are advised to avoid mosquitoes using mosquito nets, creams, coils and full sleeve protective clothing while working outdoors,” he said.