The ongoing changes in weather patterns, particularly during the rainy season, are significantly impacting public health in the city, as evidenced by an alarming increase in fever cases. Recent statistics from the local health department reveal that a total of 9,848 fever cases were reported in the district up to November 18. Out of these, 9,516 were outpatient cases, while the remaining were inpatient cases. Additionally, health authorities confirmed 89 cases of dengue fever among the reported illnesses.
The persistent rise in fever cases is attributed mainly to the inclement weather conditions. Experts, including Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan from the Kerala State Indian Medical Association, explain that the rainy season tends to increase the transmission of respiratory illnesses and viral fevers. Factors contributing to this trend include individuals being confined indoors, which facilitates the spread of respiratory viruses. Furthermore, increased humidity during the rainy season can prolong the viability of viruses in the air, leading to a higher incidence of infections.
Respiratory viruses, such as the influenza virus, are often responsible for fever symptoms. While severe cases can occur—primarily affecting vulnerable populations such as older adults—vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Dr. Jayadevan emphasizes the importance of vaccination for older adults, encouraging them to get vaccinated against influenza to mitigate potential health risks.
To help curb the spread of illness in the community, experts recommend simple preventive measures such as hand-washing to eliminate viruses from hands, and more importantly, staying at home when feverish. Dr. Jayadevan highlights the necessity of urging students with fever symptoms not to attend school, as this precaution can help limit community transmission.
The trend of rising fever cases is not isolated to November. In October, the district recorded 16,169 fever cases, significantly comprising 15,636 outpatient cases. Notably, the area also reported the highest number of dengue cases in the state that month, resulting in two fatalities. This trend starkly contrasts with September, when only 533 suspected and confirmed cases, with 138 confirmed dengue infections, were reported.
As cases continue to surge, local health authorities are emphasizing the need for preventive behavior to manage the impact of adverse weather on health and to decrease the prevalence of fever and related infections within the community.