Japan Encephalitis claims one life in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: As the entire health machinery is engaged in containing the dreadful Nipah virus, monsoon related fever has began to raise its ugly head. Japan Encephalitis (JE), Malaria and Dengue have started reporting and JE has already claimed a life. Azhiyoor native Padmini (62) died on May 30, of the three JE cases reported.  Three cases of malaria have been reported at Puthiyappa harbour and two migrant labourers afflicted at Koothali and Keezhariyur.  Puthiyappa harbour is notorious for mosquito breeding sources where 13 cases of malaria were reported last year. Both the malaria afflicted migrant labourers are  from Bihar and they  had returned to their native state.  

“Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito born viral infection developing the symptoms of fever, headache and seizures causing inflammation to the brain and people should be cautious against this,” said District Medical Officer Dr V. Jayashree.  A team from the Entomology Zonal Office in Thiruvananthapuram had visited Azhiyoor after the JE death.  Besides, seven suspected cases of dengue were reported as on Monday of which two are confirmed. The two dengue positive cases are from Valayam and Thalakulathur. As many as 588 fever patients visited health centres in the district on Monday of which 20 were admitted. According to authorities, preventive measures are being carried out in all the case reported areas.

This year, till date 106,409 cases of fever were reported and 41 out of it were tested positive for dengue, 30 for malaria, and two for cholera. Meanwhile, in the light of Nipah fear, all LSGs are conducting waste disposal and destroying mosquito sources on a war-footing.  Mavoor gram panchayat had organised a one-day house visit at its 18 wards educating the people to destroy the mosquito breeding spots through squad works.