20-05-2025
Spike in dengue cases in Ernakulam; 2 deaths reported
Two persons had succumbed to dengue fever in Ernakulam over the last three weeks.
The district had recorded a total of 440 suspected and confirmed cases since May 1, 2025. Those who succumbed to the disease include a 72-year-old female from Rayamangalam and a 46-year-old female from Thuravoor, according to official estimates. The first case of death owing to dengue fever was reported on May 13, and the second case on May 16.
The majority of the cases had been reported from rural limits, including Kanjoor, Alangad, Edathala, Rayamangalam, Keecheri, Edathala, Aluva, Vengola, Kuttampuzha, Cheruvattur, Kodanad, Chittattukara, Moolamkuzhi, Mukkannoor, Chowara, Ayampuzha, Vazhakulam, Keezhmad, Pampakuda, Udayamperoor, Malayidamthuruth, Kadavoor and Moothakunnam. In the city limits, the suspected and confirmed cases were reported in this period from Kadavanthra and Kaloor.
The highest number since May 1 was reported on May 13 (a total of 51 suspected and confirmed cases). Ernakulam had an average of around 23 dengue cases (both confirmed and suspected) over the last three weeks.
Ajayakumar N. P., president of Rayamangalam panchayat, said that control measures were initiated in two wards —Valayanchirangara and Pulluvazhi North — that had reported a slight increase in the number of dengue cases. Fogging and cleaning initiatives involving Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and health workers were carried out in these areas, he said.
The health authorities have urged the local bodies, which had reported suspected and confirmed cases, to create awareness among the residents to avoid the presence of stagnant water in houses and apartments that act as the primary source for mosquito larvae to breed.
Source-reduction measures have to be initiated to check the vector population. The breeding sites inside households include flower vases and pots, water trays behind refrigerators, and overhead tanks that are not properly covered, according to official estimates.
