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Kerala witnessed a rise in temperature with more than 13,000 cases recorded in a single day during the previous week. With many of them caused by dengue fever and leptospirosis (a bacterial infection carried by rats), Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for the drives to be cleaned up.
And while the numbers are certainly up from previous weeks, experts say the increase in fever cases is not unusual for this time of year. Rains, subsequent floods, and hot and humid weather create conditions each year for transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, respiratory infections such as seasonal influenza, and water-borne diseases such as jaundice and typhoid.
Kerala has reported 2,906 cases of dengue fever and seven related deaths this year. There have also been 534 cases of leptospirosis and 27 deaths recorded this year, according to data provided by the state. In addition, data from the National Center for Disease Control shows the state has seen 228 H1N1 cases and 14 deaths as of March, the most recent publicly available data.
Are the numbers unusual?
The hot and humid climate of Kerala creates a breeding ground for infectious microbes. Combined with a very active surveillance system, the state sees a large number of fevers each year. Dr. E. Srikumar, Director, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, says, “Kerala sees a rise in fever rates every windy season. The numbers are not unusual. Once the rains start, mosquitoes that can spread dengue fever are breeding. There is an increase in diseases waterborne during this time. Rising temperature and increased humidity levels present an opportunity for the spread of respiratory infections.” He adds that the country is also catching more infections due to the strict monitoring system in place.
Another senior health ministry official adds that with the country experiencing severe infectious outbreaks, including the likes of Nipah, often, the monitoring mechanism is always on alert. Recently, when a person died of a fever, health officials on the ground did full contact tracing and sent all of their samples for testing, suspecting Nipah. All samples turned out to be dengue samples.” Nipah is a highly fatal infection transmitted by bats through contaminated fruit.
The official stresses that the current increase in the number of fevers is largely seasonal, but it was good to take precautions to prevent further infections.
What should you do if you have a fever?
Doctors say that for a fever of up to three days, a person can stay home and maintain hydration. “Most of the fevers seen during the monsoon are viral and are likely to go away on their own. People can stay home, rest and conserve fluids unless there are any worrisome symptoms,” says Dr. Atul Jogia, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. : “They can take paracetamol to reduce fever if needed.” He warns against using any other medication such as painkillers or antibiotics because they may lead to complications depending on the infection.
So, when should you go to the doctor? Dr. Jogia says people should watch out for the following symptoms: a high temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit that doesn’t subside despite medication, severe headache, not urinating, trouble breathing, red spots or rashes on the body, and more than 10 loose stools per day. per day, or excessive vomiting. People are asked to see a doctor if they experience these symptoms.
As a precaution, wearing clothing that covers the hands and legs can prevent mosquito bites during the day that can cause dengue, not eating or drinking from roadside vendors can help prevent waterborne diseases, and keeping hands clean can that prevents infection.
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