As fever and influenza cases show no sign of abating in Ernakulam, doctors have urged people to follow steps to prevent person-to-person transmission.

The district continues to report the highest number of influenza cases in the State, with a total of 969 cases reported till September 16. The State recorded 2,205 confirmed influenza cases during the month. As many as 20 deaths were reported due to influenza in the State.

District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. R. Shahirsha said a surge in fever cases is predicted in April next year, and it is attributed to the El Niño phenomenon.

“There is no marked rise in fever or influenza cases as per our field reports. But there is a prediction that the El Niño phenomenon could lead to an increase in fever cases in April next year. Our target is to prevent person-to-person transmission as much as possible,” said Dr. Shahirsha.

The DMO said that stress was being given to generating awareness among the community, and that the epidemic prevention action plan, ‘Arogyabheri’, had been implemented in all local bodies starting in September.

The year-long programme is being jointly implemented by the district panchayat and the Health department. The programme was launched in the wake of an increase in cases of diseases such as H1N1, West Nile disease, and chikungunya, compared with last year.

“The focus is on implementing preventive measures through public participation and raising awareness about adopting healthy and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Health education programmes have been launched towards this end,” said Dr. Shahirsha.

The district reported 58 confirmed and 12 suspected cases of leptospirosis, along with 649 suspected and 234 confirmed dengue cases this month. Four deaths due to leptospirosis have also been reported in the district.

“The flu season will end soon. The district being a travel hub is one of the reasons for the continued reporting of influenza and dengue cases. As the monsoon gets over, influenza cases will subside, and so will leptospirosis cases as the ground dries up. Fever cases are persisting as the recent festive season would have led to the spread of various viruses,” said Rajeev Jayadevan, convener, Research Cell, IMA, Kerala State.