Alert in Ernakulam over outbreak of chikungunya

Kochi: Health authorities in Ernakulam have issued an alert for outbreak of chikungunya cases in the district. Kunnukara and Chengamanad have reported a total of nine confirmed cases and 19 suspected cases. In Kunnukara panchayat, there are 24 cases (six confirmed, 18 suspected), while in Chengamanad, there are four cases (three confirmed, one suspected). Preventive awareness activities are being intensified in the affected areas. Among major symptoms of chikungunya include sudden high fever, severe joint swelling and pain (especially in hands, ankles, knees), muscle pain, headache, fatigue and skin rashes in some individuals. If symptoms appear, the patient should seek medical attention at the nearest health centre immediately and avoid self-medication. The infected should rest and sleep under mosquito nets during the day. Drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food and rest. Since Aedes mosquitoes are the cause, source elimination and protection from mosquito bites during the day are vital for disease prevention. Aedes mosquitoes can lay 100-200 eggs at a time and up to 500-1,000 eggs in their lifetime. These eggs can remain viable for up to a year. If water is available on the surface where eggs are laid, they can develop into mosquitoes within a week. Virus-infected mosquito eggs also contain the virus. These mosquitoes are mostly found near human dwellings, so all potential breeding conditions inside and around homes must be eliminated. Legal action will be taken if mosquito breeding conditions are found, health authorities warned. As per the Public Health Act, 2023, a fine of up to Rs 10,000 will be imposed if mosquito breeding conditions are found around homes, establishments or plantations.