Kochi: Chickenpox cases on the rise

Summer diseases have begun rearing their ugly head as the mercury climbs up slowly.
Image for representational purpose only
Image for representational purpose only

KOCHI: Summer diseases have begun rearing their ugly head as the mercury climbs up slowly. Hospitals in the city are slowly recording an increase in the number of fever cases including common cold and dengue. The Health Department is taking precautionary measures to ensure the situation does not get out of hand once summer season arrives in full swing.

“Last year we had faced a severe scarcity of water. This forced people to use unclean water which in turn led to the spread of water-borne diseases. Last summer, we had also found many wayside stalls using unclean water to prepare snacks and juices. We had taken steps to close these stalls. This year too we are keeping a close eye on these roadside stalls. We are also organising awareness campaigns to make people aware of such diseases. People should be careful about when it comes to sourcing potable water. They should drink boiled and purified water,” said N K Kuttappan, DMO, Ernakulam.

According to Cyriac P J, RMO, many people are seeking treatment for chickenpox. “We have seen a surge in chickenpox cases at the General Hospital so far. The number of patients has been high so far.
Around 10 staffers too have contracted the disease.  However, since no effective preventive measures have been set in place, the chances are high more cases will be reported in the coming days. The number of fever cases is also slowly coming up. However, we are equipped for all contingencies,” said Cyriac.

A total of 261 chicken pox cases have been reported in the district so far. Ten cases of malaria, one of cholera, 47 cases of suspected dengue of which two are confirmed, 40 cases of suspected Hepatitis A of which 2 were confirmed and seven confirmed cases of Hepatitis B have been reported so far this year. A total of 21,872 fever cases had been reported till February 17 in the district along with 8 cases of suspected diphtheria.While not all of these diseases are related to summer, the trigger is the weather itself in most cases.Hepatitis A was detected in Neriamangalam area.

Conserve water: KWA

Summer’s around the corner and the threat of water scarcity looms large over the city. Hence, in order to plug the shortage, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is spreading awareness among the public regarding conservation of water. K K Anilkumar, superintendent engineer of KWA said residents have been requested to limit usage to domestic purpose alone. “We are yet to receive any complaints about water shortage, but the households have been asked to be vigilant in their consumption,” he said. In case of emergency situations, water will be supplied to the residents in water tankers with the help of the Corporation, he added. Anilkumar said KWA is also plugging leakages. He said the most vulnerable areas in the city are Cheranallur, Vypeen, Thrikkakara and Kalamassery.

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