Ernakulam district reports second suspected West Nile death; DMO issues alert

Ernakulam district in Kerala is on high alert following a second suspected death from West Nile fever within a week, prompting the District Medical Officer to issue an urgent advisory. The latest casualty is identified as Muraleedharan, a 70-year-old from Kadungalloor with underlying health conditions, who died at Kalamassery Medical College on Monday, just days after Saraswathiyamma from Paravur also succumbed to the suspected mosquito-borne illness. The deaths underscore the persistent threat of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Kerala, a region that has seen recurring outbreaks since 2011 and a significant surge in neuroinvasive cases in 2024 with a community seropositivity approaching 30%. Health officials clarify that WNV, a flavivirus primarily spread by Culex mosquitoes feeding on infected migratory birds, does not transmit through direct human contact, but vulnerable populations like the elderly and immunocompromised face severe neurological complications. The ongoing situation is further complicated by a parallel rise in Shigella infection across the state, stretching public health resources as the monsoon season approaches. In response, the Kerala Health Department has intensified surveillance and vector control operations, urging public cooperation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking personal precautions. Citizens are advised to use repellents, wear protective clothing, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like high fever, neck stiffness, or altered mental status appear. Authorities warn that failure to comply with mosquito control measures could lead to penalties under the Public Health Act, highlighting the critical need for collective action to prevent further spread and protect high-risk groups.