The fever which is raising concern across the state has started spreading to jails in the district. With a high number of fever cases being reported in the District Jail and sub-jails, the Prison Department has ordered that precautionary measures be taken on a war footing.
About 20 inmates were reported suffering from fever in Mattancherry sub-jail. Though it was suspected that some were under the clutches of Dengue, the doctors have confirmed that it was not so. The jail authorities have organised medical camps and doctors call on inmates daily. Officials are of the opinion that it is because fever is rampant in Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and Palluruthy areas. “A doctor comes here for the medical examination daily. The inmates suffering from fever have been shifted to isolated cells. The premises have been cleaned,” an official said.
Around 13 inmates of the District Jail in Kakkanad have also caught fever.
Sunil Kumar, Superintendent of the jail, said that 13 of 193 inmates were suffering from fever. “We conducted a medical camp and gave awareness classes a few days ago. Besides three doctors from the General Hospital conduct check-ups. A doctor from Kakkanad visits the jail daily and treats the fever patients who have been moved to other cells,” he said.
Fever has also spread its tentacles to Muvattupuzha and Aluva sub-jails, with more than 30 cases having been reported.
Recently, one of the terror-accused in Kashmir recruitment case could not be produced before the NIA Court as he was suffering from high fever. He was taken to the General Hospital. Even the terror accused are lodged in Ernakulam Sub Jail. An official with the Ernakulam Sub Jail said that only a few jail inmates were suffering from fever and that they were under medical care.
