Kerala in the Grip of Viral Fever, 103 Deaths This Year

Kerala government urges people to help keep state clean and take part in sanitation drives.

According to health department sources as many as 103 people, including women and children, succumbed H1N1, leptospirosis and dengue. (Photo: iStock)

The Kerala government asked people to join its mass sanitation drive after over 100 died due to various types of fevers this year.

According to health department sources as many as 103 people, including women and children, succumbed H1N1, leptospirosis and dengue.

Mosquito breeding, due to piling of waste was considered to be the prime reason for the spread. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said social hygiene was essential to keep diseases at bay.

Political party activists, representatives of local self government institutions and members of socio-cultural outfits and clubs should take part in the sanitation drive on war footing.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister

Vijayan said fever cases have reduced in places where waste management and mosquito control measures have been implemented effectively.

He said the government had ensured stock of medicines and doctors in all government hospitals.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala visited Vijayan at his official residence and submitted a memorandum with some suggestions to tackle the crisis. Chennithala said at least an average of 20,000 persons are arriving at state hospitals seeking treatment for fever.

Chennithala also said the health department had failed miserably in containing the fever and blamed state Health Minister K K Shylaja.

Refuting the charges, the Health Minister said the opposition was trying to take political mileage over the situation and that a united effort was needed to overcome the situation.

(With inputs from PTI)