5006 people affected by disease within a week; Health Dept urges people of this district to exercise caution

MALAPPURAM: With the onset of monsoons, the number of people seeking treatment for fever is increasing in Malappuram district. The number of patients arriving in government hospitals daily has reached close to two thousand. 11,714 people sought treatment within a week. Special fever clinics have been started in hospitals, which is a relief to patients. The number of dengue fever patients is also increasing in the district. 82 people were admitted to the hospital with symptoms, while 13 people were diagnosed with the disease.

Most of the people affected by the disease are from Thrikkalangode, Pandikkad, Areekode, Vengara, Urangattiri, Cherukavu and Nilambur. The climate of intermittent rain and sun will aid the spread of dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitos. Dengue fever is caused by dengue virus (DENV). There are four strains of DENV, called serotypes, which are distinguished by their antigenicity. These serotypes are DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Aedes mosquitos mostly bite humans during the day.

A person who has recovered from dengue fever may become seriously ill if he develops a fever caused by another strain of dengue virus. It can cause haemorrhage and even death. The Health Department warns that people should take special care in keeping their houses and surroundings clean.

The number of cases of leptospirosis has not increased significantly in Malappuram. While 13 people came to hospitals for treatment, three people were diagnosed with the disease.

There is no significant decrease in the spread of jaundice in the district. 45 people have been diagnosed with hepatitis A and two people with hepatitis B within a week. Thirty of them were diagnosed with the disease in the last two days. The number of patients seeking treatment for diarrhoea has more than doubled compared to previous months. An average of 800 people are seeking treatment per day. 5,006 people have been infected within a week.