Health officials are cautious as the rising temperature sparks a fresh wave of fever cases in Ernakulam

Health officials are sounding a note of caution, warning against self-medication in the wake of a renewed spate of fever cases, including flu, in the district, fueled by soaring temperatures in the past few weeks.

According to the medical community, flu season is far from over, while intense heat followed by heavy rain and the holiday season may have created conditions conducive to the spread of disease.

The district continues to report the highest number of flu cases in the state, with dengue and leptospirosis cases also persisting. Doctors urged people to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

A total of 533 flu cases were reported from Ernakulam till September 11, while the state recorded around 1,222 cases during the month. The district also reported 28 confirmed and four suspected cases of leptospirosis along with 307 suspected and 128 confirmed cases of dengue fever. Three deaths from leptospirosis are also reported in the district.

Rajany Jose, professor of community medicine and coordinator of the Prevention of Epidemic and Infectious Diseases (PEID) cell at the Government Medical Hospital, Ernakulam, stressed the need for caution, especially among young children and the elderly, given the continued spread of the virus. “Because the viruses are still circulating, great caution is needed. The rapidly fluctuating temperature doesn’t help either. The general expectation that once the rain stops, the number of cases will drop has been disproved,” said Dr. The Rajans.

Rajeev Jayadevan, head of research cell, IMA, Kerala State, emphasized that the infection rate will not go down just because the rain has stopped. “The changing climate and recent holiday season may have increased the spread of infectious diseases, especially respiratory viruses. Hot weather will affect the very young and the elderly the most and they need to be kept hydrated,” he said.

A changing climate may have contributed to increased viral activity, noted Arun NM, a consultant in internal medicine. He urged the infected to avoid public places. “Following basic hygiene measures such as wearing a mask when infected and avoiding crowded places can help prevent the spread of disease,” he said.

Published – 12 Sep 2026 21:58 IST