Dengue spreading in state; six deaths in two weeks, 1373 people sought treatment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dengue fever is spreading in the state. As many as 1373 people with symptoms sought treatment at various hospitals in the state in the last two weeks. 294 people have been diagnosed with the disease. 1079 people have not received their final results. Six persons, including one person diagnosed with the disease, have died.

With the state receiving summer rains intermittently, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, filariasis and Zika are likely to spread. Hence, the health department has directed to give importance to the destruction of the breeding places of the mosquitoes. People have been advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. People infected by dengue should seek professional treatment at the earliest as dengue fever can cause a sudden drop in blood platelets.

Intermittent rain is villain
The health department has directed that people should exercise caution as diseases are more likely to spread due to the intermittent summer rains. The solution is to get protection from mosquitoes. Special care should be taken to prevent waterlogging in and around buildings such as houses and institutions. People with fever should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Symptoms
High fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sore throat, slight cough, and pain behind the eyes.