47-year-old man dies of West Nile fever in Kerala, health officials sound alert


PTI, May 29, 2022, 7:26 PM IST

Representative Image

Thiruvananthapuram: A 47-year-old man died on Sunday due to West Nile fever in Kerala’s Thrissur district, the first fatality in the state caused by the vector-borne infection in the last three years, prompting the health department to issue directions for people to eliminate mosquito breeding sites to prevent the disease.

The health department said it took proactive measures as soon as a case of West Nile fever was detected in Thrissur district.

”A special team from the medical office visited the locality of the victim and the district vector control board took samples from various parts of the district for testing. Steps were taken to destroy the mosquito breeding sites in the locality,” the release said.

Sources said the man developed fever and other symptoms on May 17 and after getting treatment from various hospitals, he was admitted to the government medical college in Thrissur, where he was diagnosed with West Nile fever.

The health department has issued directions to district authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures including declaring a dry day if necessary.

”Importance should be given to destroying the mosquito breeding sites everywhere. Individuals should take responsibility and clean their residential areas. Clogged drains, and stagnant water should be cleared,” state Health Minister Veena George said in a release.

The health department said West Nile fever is spread by the Culex species of mosquitoes. It was first detected in 1937 in Uganda. The fever was first detected in Kerala in 2011 and a six-year-old boy from Malappuram died due to the fever in 2019.

It said the West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans but most of those infected will not show any symptoms. It is mainly transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’

Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial

100 engineering colleges in Karnataka to be ‘adopted’ by corporates by next year: IT Minister Kharge

Siddaramaiah defends BPL ration card cancellation, says only ineligible beneficiaries affected

China announces new policy measures to protect its exports from Trump’s new tariff threat

Renovated Medical Oncology OPD and Chemotherapy Day Care Centre inaugurated at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal

Karnataka Health Minister justifies revision of user fees in state-run hospitals

Related Articles More

Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’

Kerala HC quashes FIR against Goa Guv over remarks on Sabarimala women entry

Smriti Irani embarks on four-nation tour to promote book on PM Modi

Karnataka Milk Federation enters Delhi-NCR, offers competitive pricing on Nandini products

Rahul, Congress tried since 2002 to target Modi’s image, PM’s credibility remains high: BJP

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Siddaramaiah says confident of winning all three bypolls in Karnataka

Hop on! IT Minister Priyank Kharge checks out Uber Shuttle at Bengaluru Tech Summit

Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’

Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial

AIMPLB to hold its annual general sessions in Bengaluru from November 23

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.