Even though the monsoon has been inactive, this time too, epidemics have gripped the people from the start itself. Along with communicable diseases, deadly diseases such as rat fever and dengue fever are also present, and people living in less comfy areas are in fear. Every day the number of people coming to hospitals due to fever is increasing. Only the number of people visiting government hospitals is available. This itself is more than ten thousand per day. Hospitals estimate that 66 people have died of rat fever so far this year. More than 1,300 people have sought treatment at government hospitals with rat fever symptoms. More than one and a half lakh people sought treatment for infectious fever. As the number of fever patients is increasing day by day, there is a need to start special fever clinics in hospitals. More than 300 people have sought treatment for dengue fever. In a state where there is no shortage of waterlogging, there is a high chance of catching dengue and rat fever.

If the health department is determined, the epidemics that grip the state can be controlled by the time the rainy season begins. Although done just for the sake of it, activities in the name of pre-monsoon cleaning used to happen in the past. This time for some reason it did not happen in most of the districts. The government became aware of this when fever and epidemics started to spread. That is why, cleaning of the canals and removal of the garbage accumulated in the drains have started in full swing in some areas now. An unsanitary environment is what invites epidemics. The health department and the local institutions responsible for this are well aware of this. However, none of them will do anything until illness comes knocking. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease. Rat fever is contracted from water and courtyards contaminated with rat excrement. Common people, including agricultural workers, are the main victims of rat fever. Dengue fever has no regional differences, anyone can catch it. Breeding of mosquitoes is that high in the state. Despite growing to be a major health problem, there is no permanent plan to deal with mosquito infestation. It has been a long time since Kerala became a breeding ground for not only the mosquitoes that spread dengue fever but also mosquitoes that cause other diseases. The government has ended all existing mosquito control schemes and left all the responsibilities to the people. Well-off people seek protection from mosquitoes by installing mosquito nets in their houses. Those who are penniless try in vain to drive away mosquitoes at night by lighting mosquito-repellent wicks. The poor, who cannot afford even that, are forced to blame their own destiny and live with mosquitoes.

Kerala ranks high in the National Health Index but every season a large number of people are hospitalized due to various diseases. The indifference shown in cleaning operations and inexcusable mismanagement is what drives Kerala into fever every season. There is no predicting where years of laxity in waste collection and disposal will lead the state. We should show some responsibility in this matter without waiting for a big disaster. Similarly, there should be immediate action to provide adequate treatment and protection in hospitals to those suffering from fever.