Kerala reports an increase in dengue, influenza and leptospirosis cases

Representative image | Photo credit: REUTERS

The explosion of dengue cases – 159 confirmed and 295 probable cases – in a single day on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) from various districts could be an indication of how the infectious disease scenario in the state is likely to evolve in the next few weeks, underscoring the importance of nationwide intensive vector control measures.

Considering the state’s past experience with dengue outbreaks and the current period of intermittent monsoon rains followed by warm spells that help the vectors breed faster, the number of cases could rise sharply in the next few weeks.

Palakkad (47), Kozhikode (31) and Ernakulam (24) reported the maximum number of cases. Two dengue deaths were also reported on Tuesday – one confirmed from Malappuram and the other probable from Palakkad.

Cases of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis cases also continue to be reported at a steady rate, with the Department of Health reporting 22 cases and three deaths, including a probable death from leptospirosis.

Respiratory diseases, including Covid, influenza A and B and RSV, are common in the community and have claimed many lives, especially in the elderly. In the month of June alone, 1,569 cases and 16 deaths were reported. A total of 109 flu cases were reported on Tuesday, including deaths from H1N1 influenza A.

Shigellosis

Shigellosis cases don’t seem to be letting up either, with 15 cases reported from five districts on Tuesday.

Kozhikode reported eight cases, Malappuram three, Wayanad two and Kannur and Kollam districts reported one case each. A total of 165 cases and six deaths were reported in June alone.

Although cases of shigellosis are reported sporadically from all districts, the health department has declared outbreaks in Kozhikode (57 cases), Wayanad (22), Thrissur (12) and Alappuzha (3).

Once an outbreak occurs, it is not easy to control because the disease is highly infectious and spreads rapidly through households through careless treatment of patients with shigellosis.

Good hygiene, especially proper hand washing, and practices like drinking only boiled water can actually solve half of the problems, health officials say.

Published – 23 Jun 2026 21:03 IST