Sat Nov 01 19:53:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Ernakulam, Kerala experienced a significant spike in dengue cases in October 2025 compared to September. The district recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the state, with 533 suspected and confirmed cases, including 138 confirmed infections, and two deaths. Cases were reported across various areas within Kochi, including within the Kochi Corporation limits. While the Corporation claims mosquito control efforts are effective, health experts emphasize the need for targeted, year-round, and multi-pronged mosquito control strategies, focusing on indoor transmission and personal protection measures like mosquito nets. Several other regions within Ernakulam district also reported cases.
News Article:
Dengue Cases Surge in Ernakulam, Kerala; Officials Urged to Ramp Up Mosquito Control
Kochi, November 2, 2025 – Ernakulam district in Kerala is grappling with a significant surge in dengue fever cases, reporting the highest number in the state for October. Health department statistics reveal 533 suspected and confirmed cases, including 138 confirmed infections, marking a stark increase from the 462 cases reported in September. Tragically, two deaths were recorded in October, compared to none in the previous month.
The deceased were identified as a 68-year-old man from Malayidamthurthu and a 57-year-old man from Kothakulam, Kaitharam. Statewide, dengue-related deaths increased from two in September to seven in October, with fatalities also reported in Kottayam, Malappuram, Kannur, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Within Ernakulam, cases have been reported in various locations within the Kochi Corporation limits, including Thammanam, Edappally, Vennala, Kakkanad, Kaloor, and Kadavanthra. Despite the rising numbers, T.K. Ashraf, chairperson of the Kochi Corporation health standing committee, claims the cases are negligible and attributes a reduction in mosquitoes to the city’s fogging efforts.
However, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, is advocating for a more targeted and comprehensive approach. He emphasized the importance of indoor mosquito control, as transmission often occurs within homes. “Once a mosquito gets trapped inside, it can survive for several days, bite people, and quickly spread the disease,” Dr. Jayadevan warned. He also stressed the need for infected individuals to use mosquito nets to prevent further spread and for year-round mosquito control measures.
Other areas within Ernakulam district reporting cases include Chittattukara, Choornikkara, Kakkanad, Kalamassery, Perumbavoor, Ponnurunni, and Aluva. The peak days for reported cases were October 22 and October 29, with 33 and 35 cases (confirmed and suspected) recorded respectively.
Health officials are urging residents to take preventative measures and encouraging local authorities to intensify mosquito control efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
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