Mask usage increases in Ernakulam; three deaths in a week; school closure?

KOCHI: Fever and other infectious diseases are spreading again across Ernakulam district. Health department data shows that there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of jaundice, dengue fever, malaria, influenza, diarrheal diseases, etc. According to the data from July 25 to August 1 alone, three people died due to dengue fever, leptospirosis and jaundice.

A 56-year-old man from Nellikuzhi died of dengue fever and a 56-year-old man from Mulanthuruthy died of leptospirosis. A 52-year-old man from Pathalam died of jaundice. 6640 people sought treatment for viral fever in these days. 166 people were admitted to the hospital. Out of 174 people who came with dengue fever symptoms, 53 were admitted for inpatient treatment. While 17 people were infected with leptospirosis, 13 were confirmed to have malaria. 1103 people sought treatment for diarrheal diseases.

School urged to close

A school in Kalamassery, which had to be closed after children were treated for meningitis in late February, has been hit by an epidemic this time also. More than one student has H1N1 and flu. Although parents have requested that classes be made online, the authorities are of the opinion that there is no need to worry.

CUSAT to open tomorrow

The CUSAT campus, which had classes online for five days following the spread of H1N1 and chicken pox, will start offline classes today.

Masks again

With the increase in swine flu and infectious diseases, the use of masks has also increased widely. Masks have been made mandatory for hospital staff and those in close contact with patients. Many schools in the district have instructed children to wear masks. The number of people using masks in public places has also increased.

Epidemic affected areas

👉Leptospirosis: Angamaly, Tripunithura, Nayarambalam, Kalamassery, Koonammavu, Vadavucode, Cheranallur, Kakkanad, Champakkara.

👉Malaria: Ramamangalam, Pattimattom, Aluva, Perumbavoor, Malayidomthuruth, Kanjoor, Kalady, Ayyampilli.

👉Dengue fever: Vengola, Mulavukad, Chengamanadu, Koovappadi, Puthuvype, Nedumbassery, Thammanam, Kadayiruppu, Kaloor.