Ernakulam continues to report highest number of influenza cases

Ernakulam continues to report the highest number of influenza cases in the State, with the trend showing no signs of abating in September either. Even as cases are high when compared to other districts, the medical fraternity is of the view that the disease is slowly losing its strength, but caution still needs to be exercised to prevent the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, District Medical Officer Dr. R. Shahirsha said there is no cause for concern about the disease. “The numbers are high as the district has a more mobile community. Further, more testing is done, which leads to higher reporting of the disease.

Social distancing and use of masks are among key measures to control its spread,” said Dr. Shahirsha. Of the 607 cases reported in the State in the first five days of the month, 274 cases were from Ernakulam. Five deaths were reported this month.

Of the more than 2,700 cases reported in the State in August, as many as 954 cases were from the district. The total number of cases in the State this year stood at 9,377, with 104 deaths reported. Dr. G. Sathyajith Nair, paediatrician and secretary of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kochi Branch, said the number of cases has gradually started to show a decreasing trend.

“We have moved past the wave of increased case reporting when hospitals were running out of beds to accommodate patients. Now, even though people are getting infected, the severity of the disease has diminished,” said Dr.

Nair. He added that in two months the cases would dip. “This has become a regular affair post-pandemic. The only solution is to get vaccinated, which will prevent the need for hospitalisation or any complications due to the disease.

This time, children who were vaccinated against the disease were least affected,” said Dr. Nair.