Kerala battles multiple fevers as temperatures rise; 10,000+ seek treatment daily

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As temperatures continue to climb, Kerala is witnessing a rise in various types of fever. Viral fever, dengue, rat fever and chikungunya are spreading across both rural and urban areas. Tomato flu is also being reported widely among children. The weak monsoon and a sudden rise in temperatures, similar to summer conditions, are adding to the health concerns.

Viral fever is also taking longer to recover from. In many cases, symptoms do not subside with a single dose of medicine, while some patients continue to feel unwell even after completing two courses of treatment. Many are unable to get out of bed even after a week, while fatigue and cough can take longer to disappear. The infection is also spreading quickly to other family members. Hospitals across the state have been witnessing a heavy rush of fever patients in their outpatient departments (OPs) for the past two weeks.

More than 10,000 fever patients seek treatment every day

More than 10,000 people are seeking treatment for fever across Kerala every day on average. A total of 10,922 people sought treatment the other day. Malappuram and Thrissur recorded the highest numbers, with 2,454 and 1,004 patients respectively.

Dengue was confirmed in 51 people across the state on the same day. Rat fever was detected in 13 people, while six cases of malaria were reported. Three people were also diagnosed with Shigella infection.

Dengue cases are particularly high in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts. Cases of chikungunya and hepatitis are also being reported from districts across the state.

Fever-related deaths also on the rise

The number of people dying from fever and related illnesses is also increasing. The Health Department has confirmed nine deaths in the past two weeks. Most of the victims had contracted rat fever. People infected with malaria and H1N1 were also among those who died.

Watch out for these symptoms

1. Dengue: Fever, headache, muscle pain, pain behind the eyes and red spots or rashes on the body.

2. Rat fever: Fever accompanied by severe muscle pain in the legs, red or yellow eyes and reduced urine output.

3. Chikungunya: High fever, swelling and severe pain in various joints, red eyes, fatigue, vomiting and nausea.

Fever-related deaths in Kerala so far in 2026

Disease Deaths
Influenza.......104
Leptospirosis.......97
Amoebic meningoencephalitis.......44
Dengue.......40
Hepatitis A.......40
Shigella.......8

“Steps have been taken to ensure proper treatment. Instructions to start fever clinics were issued earlier, and the availability of medicines has also been ensured,” said Dr V. Meenakshi, Director of the Health Department.