Dengue cases on the rise in Ernakulam
Health officials, who admitted that cases are reported from various places, said the cases will decrease only when people carry out regular source reduction activities to control the larvae of Aedes aegypti.
"The number of patients developing complications is very low. We inform the authorities concerned in areas where cases are rising and urge them to intensify source reduction," said a health official. The Kerala Public Health Act 2023 equips the health department to take action against those who fail to carry out source reduction activities.
District panchayat president Manoj Moothedan said he will convene the district public health committee next week to discuss the health issues arising in the district.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
13-07-2025
- Business Standard
WHO issues first global clinical guide on mosquito-borne diseases: Details
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever integrated guidelines on the clinical management of arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever in a major step towards strengthening global response to mosquito-borne viral diseases. The new guidelines, launched earlier this month, aim to help frontline healthcare providers and hospitals manage both mild and severe cases of these diseases using standardised, evidence-based protocols. With arboviral infections posing a growing threat across tropical and subtropical regions, the WHO said the guidelines would also support policymakers and health administrators in boosting epidemic and pandemic preparedness. What are arboviral diseases? According to WHO, arboviral diseases are most commonly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. These include dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is capable of spreading multiple viruses in the same region, often at the same time. These infections affect more than half of the global population, with over 5.6 billion people currently at risk. The diseases often begin with flu-like symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rash, making clinical diagnosis difficult in the absence of laboratory tests. In some cases, complications can be severe or life-threatening. Why WHO's integrated guidelines on arboviral diseases are needed According to WHO, outbreaks of arboviral diseases are becoming more frequent, widespread, and severe, driven by a combination of ecological, social, and economic factors. As a result, the geographical range of these infections is expanding rapidly. The clinical challenge is compounded by the fact that dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever often begin with similar early symptoms making it difficult to distinguish between them, especially in regions where diagnostic tools are limited. In some areas, multiple arboviruses may be circulating at the same time. In this context, the WHO guidelines offer a unified, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and care. They are also intended as a practical reference for policymakers, health system leaders, and hospital administrators in developing national and regional preparedness strategies for future outbreaks and pandemics. Key recommendations by WHO According to WHO, the new guidelines offer clinical management protocols for four of the most common and widespread arboviral infections in humans: dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. For patients with non-severe, suspected or confirmed arboviral disease: Use protocolised oral fluid treatment to prevent dehydration Use paracetamol or metamizole for treating pain or fever Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), irrespective of severity Avoid corticosteroids in non-severe cases Use crystalloid fluids (not colloids) for intravenous hydration Monitor capillary refill time and lactate levels to guide fluid management Use passive leg raise test in patients with shock to assess fluid responsiveness Avoid corticosteroids and immunoglobulin therapies in severe cases Avoid platelet transfusion in patients with low platelet counts unless active bleeding is present Use intravenous N-acetylcysteine in cases of liver failure caused by yellow fever Use experimental therapies like monoclonal immunoglobulin TY014 and sofosbuvir for yellow fever only in research settings The WHO noted that the recommendations are based on the latest available evidence and will be updated as new data emerges. These guidelines are seen as a critical step in harmonising care and improving outcomes in regions where arboviral diseases are endemic or emerging.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Why viral fevers, dengue, and typhoid surge during monsoons
During each monsoon, one can clearly see an increase in the incidence of viral fevers, dengue, and typhoid in most regions of India. This peak seasonality is not merely coincidental but is due to the way weather, water, and hygiene interact during monsoons. The combination of stagnant water, humidity, and poor sanitation during monsoons is the ideal breeding ground for infections to spread and flourish. Viral monsoon fevers are primarily due to seasonal viruses transmitted by air, contaminated hands, or droplets from an infected person. The humidity lowers our body's natural defence, and hence, viruses can easily infect us. These fevers may present with symptoms of fever, body pain, mild to high-grade fever, sore throat, and occasionally, the abdominal symptoms. As individuals remain indoors during rains, family or crowded settings close contact can spread it faster. Dengue, a disease spread by mosquitoes, is also at its peak in monsoon season because breeding of mosquitoes is high. Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector for dengue, breeds in clean stale water — which is often seen in buckets, thrown-away containers, flowerpots, or even clogged drains after rain. Urban environments with inadequate drainage and water stagnation are especially vulnerable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo The symptoms of dengue may initially begin with sudden high fever, severe headache, pain in the eyes behind them, muscle and joint pain, and rash on the skin. In severe instances, it may lead to life-threatening conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Typhoid, however, is a water-borne bacterial infection with Salmonella typhi as the causative agent. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, quite a problem during monsoons when pipelines carrying water tend to get mixed with sewage due to leaks or flooding. Unwashed vegetables, street food, and contaminated drinking water are usual sources. Typhoid fever is characterized by long-standing fever, weakness, pain in the abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, and rash on the skin in some cases. This scent-based preference, which remains consistent over time, could pave the way for more effective mosquito repellents and disease prevention. The unifying factor among these diseases is lack of sanitation, waterlogging, and hygiene issues that get intensified during monsoon. Monsoon also witnesses increased consumption of outside food as well as street foods, which might be exposed to contaminated water or dealt with without good hygiene. Children, the elderly population, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are especially at risk. These diseases can be prevented with simple yet effective measures. Don't drink unfiltered or uncovered water; always drink clean, boiled water if unsure about the origin. Don't let water pool in and around houses and prevent breeding of mosquitoes. Wear mosquito repellents and nets, particularly during early morning and evening when mosquitoes are active. Wash hands regularly and refrain from eating street food for the time being. I also recommend not to neglect any fever during monsoons — early diagnosis and prompt treatment can avoid complications, particularly with dengue or typhoid. Building immunity through a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and proper rest also proves to be a great defense during this peak-risk season. (Inputs by Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Checks intensified as 6 dengue & 3 malaria cases reported in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: With six dengue and three malaria cases reported in Farrukhnagar, Pataudi, Sector 14, Wazirabad and Sultanpur, doctors warn that rising humidity will likely fuel an increase in dengue cases — and other vector-borne diseases —in the coming weeks. The health department has ramped up inspections across the city since the beginning of the month, focusing on areas that have historically been dengue hotspots — sectors 14, 15, 51, DLF 1 and 2 and Sushant Lok. Health experts advise that anyone experiencing high fever, nausea, joint or muscle pain, skin rashes, or fatigue should immediately consult the nearest health centre. Deputy CMO Dr Vikas Swami said, "Special teams are deployed to check for mosquito-breeding spots. Residents are advised to take preventive measures such using mosquito repellents. We are carrying out source reduction activity and conducting door-to-door fever surveys. We are also carrying out rapid tests. Citizens must ensure there is no collection of stagnant water in tanks, flowerpots and water coolers." You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Given that dengue-spreading mosquitoes are most active during the daytime, the health department is not only surveying households in affected zones but also intensifying screening drives in schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Porto Alegre (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Commonly seen symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and a characteristic skin rash. The dengue-causing mosquito, Aedes aegypti, breeds in clean stagnant water in domestic water containers like desert coolers, plastic bags, rooftop discarded items where water collects after rain, fridge rear trays, bird baths, tyres, etc.
