An epidemic prevention action plan will be launched in Ernakulam

With the increasing cases of infectious diseases, the ‘Arogyabheri’ epidemic prevention action plan will be launched in the district on Friday (July 3, 2026).

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John will launch the year-long program to be jointly implemented by the district panchayat and the district health department. The minister will also launch a workshop for health workers and representatives of local bodies at the Kochi Corporation Hall at 9.30 am.

When announcing the District Medical Officer (DMO) program, Dr. Shahirsha R. said that compared to last year, there has been an increase in cases of several diseases such as H1N1, West Nile and Chikungunya. By June 26 this year, a total of 309 confirmed cases of H1N1, including three deaths, had been reported in the district, compared to 44 confirmed cases last year. The number of confirmed West Nile cases was seven in 2026, compared to one in 2025.

“While dengue and leptospirosis cases have decreased compared to last year, West Nile and chikungunya cases have increased. Intensive resource reduction measures are needed to eliminate mosquitoes that breed in both fresh and dirty water. We have focused mosquito control activities on mosquitoes that breed in fresh water.” he said.

The first phase of the program, from July to September, will focus on intensive awareness and disease prevention activities. He said the goal is to increase public participation in disease prevention. “The idea is to strengthen preventive measures through public participation and raise awareness of adopting healthy and hygienic practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” said Dr. Shahirsha.

District panchayat president KG Radhakrishnan said the program was planned to complement the regular pre-monsoon and monsoon cleaning drives conducted by local bodies. Teams of Accredited State Health Activists (ASHAs) and other ward-level health workers will be deployed to intensify infectious disease prevention activities by conducting source reduction, disinfection, chlorination and spraying regularly, the DMO added.

Published – 02 Jul 2026 21:18 IST