Ernakulam witnesses decline in influenza cases

After grappling with a rise in influenza cases for months, Ernakulam has reported relatively fewer cases in October. According to the health authorities, influenza activity may be declining even as the district braces for monsoon-related diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis.

A health official said the dip in influenza cases was expected. “Influenza is a seasonal outbreak, and the disease is in the declining phase now. But with intermittent rains, we are expecting an increase in dengue cases. We have to intensify precautionary measures against dengue and other monsoon-related communicable diseases. This can be done by focussing on source-reduction activities, which need to be strengthened,” the official said.

A total of 335 influenza cases were reported until October 23, according to the Health department. The district registered a total of 588 dengue cases during the month, including 168 confirmed and 420 suspected cases. It also reported 31 cases of leptospirosis, including 24 confirmed and seven suspected cases, and two deaths due to the disease.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convener of the research cell of the Indian Medical Association (Kerala Chapter), said influenza follows a seasonal pattern and fewer cases are likely to be reported during the current northeast monsoon season. “One of the reasons is that many people would have recently acquired immunity against the influenza virus currently in circulation. This results in a baseline level of immunity in the succeeding months, which thereafter wanes until the next wave hits,” he said.

He added that a considerable drop in cases could be observed in the coming weeks and that influenza might not persist until the end of the current monsoon season. “We are generally safe until next year’s monsoon, although some baseline-level cases will still be reported,” Dr. Jayadevan said. Noting that the virus could be introduced at any time through travel, leading to localised out-of-season spikes, he said the surge in cases had, however, subsided.

Dr. G. Sathyajith Nair, paediatrician and secretary of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Kochi branch, said the number of cases was showing a declining trend compared with the spike witnessed in July and August.

“The severity of influenza has diminished. But there has been an uptick in cases of viral infections such as hand, foot and mouth disease and respiratory syncytial virus,” Dr. Nair said. He urged people to follow proper hygiene practices to break the chain of infections and get vaccinated against influenza.