Hero Image

With temperatures up in Kerala, experts warn of outbreak of diseases

KOCHI: Temperatures have a direct bearing on the spread of diseases. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), in its climate health warning till March 21, has indicated that certain threshold temperatures could lead to outbreak of diseases like malaria .


The maximum threshold temperatures in Kerala is between 33 and 39 degrees.

This is 'ideal temperature' for the spread of malaria.

The maximum temperature recorded in the state was 38 degrees at Palakkad, with Punalur coming close behind at 37 degrees.


Meanwhile, the state health department has already activated its surveillance network following the rise and fluctuations in temperatures accompanied by high humidity and dry weather. A sudden spurt of rain showers is also being treated with apprehension though it is being welcomed by the public as it brings down temperatures.

"We have already issued warnings against exposure to heat and precautions to be taken to address it. But now we have new concerns of water-borne diseases. People have started storing water in whatever possible ways. This includes even in tanks which have probably not been cleaned for long. This is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes," said additional director of health services (ADHS) Dr Amar Fettle.

State health officials said that there is a rise in cases of dengue and a few cases of malaria have been reported from some places. The health surveillance teams in the districts have been asked to look out for storage vessels which are either being kept open or not properly closed. "These will have mosquito larvae," said Fettle.

The intermittent showers also lead to larvae falling in these vessels thus leading to the breeding of mosquitoes.

The health department has advised the public to be careful while drinking juices with ice. "We have no way of knowing the origin of the ice. Even the vendors don't know. So, our advice is that people don't drink juice with ice from the outside," he said.

District health departments have informed that senior citizens above 65 years of age and children under four years should be monitored for any indications of illness. Any symptoms of diarrhoea should be noted and steps taken to rectify the dehydration. Care should be taken to ensure that children are not seated for long in closed cars. Windows in houses should be kept open to allow ventilation and people working outside should drink at least one litre of water per hour.

READ ON APP