Spurt in chikungunya cases highlights need to check vector population
Kerala is experiencing a significant resurgence in chikungunya cases, driven by an increase in the Aedes mosquito population following erratic monsoon weather. Health experts warn that the spike in vector-borne diseases could overwhelm local health systems if not managed effectively.
Why it matters
Public health surveillance is critical as climate-related shifts in vector populations pose ongoing risks to global health security.
Intense monsoon rainfall interspersed with spells of hot weather has led to an abundance in Aedes mosquitoes and an increased transmission of not just dengue this season but also chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the State.
After the major epidemics of CHIKV that the State witnessed in 2006-2007 and an outbreak in 2019-20, the State is seeing a spurt in chikungunya cases again this year. Sporadic cases are reported every year in the State but this season, the figure has again touched three digits, showing a rising trend.
As on August 4, a total of 105 confirmed and 62 probable chikungunya cases have been reported from various parts of the State, primarily Thiruvananthapuram.
Public health experts caution that only those cases which underwent testing figures on the State’s surveillance list and that the actual number of cases would be several times over.
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