Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is grappling with a worrisome uptick in communal diseases, raising alarms among health authorities. Unlike the typical pattern of diseases such as rabies, dengue, and chikungunya subsiding in the summer, there is a notable shift as these infections persist in the rainy season.
Over the past five years, dengue cases in the state have seen a notable increase. In 2018, 4,090 cases were reported; despite only 3,251 cases reported in 2021, the challenges posed by dengue continued in 2022, with 4,468 reported cases and 58 fatalities. Dengue fever has emerged as the most frequently reported communicable disease in the districts.
The first half of the current year has witnessed a surge in communal diseases, with 3,409 reported cases of dengue alone. Cases of rabies and chikungunya have also seen a spike, adding to the growing health concerns. Additionally, diseases like Nipah and Brucellosis, previously thought to be eradicated, have resurfaced, prompting health officials to address these unexpected challenges.
The Economic Review Report of 2022 further underscores the severity of the situation, emphasising that Kerala is currently grappling with epidemics and serious diseases.
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