Kerala on High Alert as Secondary Dengue Infections Rise

Dengue Cases Surge: 2,450 Infections and 15 Deaths Reported

Photo of Dengue, a mosquito bites a white boy's arm

Dengue affects up to 390 million people globally each year, with 96 million experiencing clinical symptoms. Over 70% of the global dengue burden is in Asia, particularly in countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.Representative Image: FeePik

Published on:

24 May 2025, 4:30 pm

Kerala reports an alarming surge of dengue fever cases because it confirmed 15 fatalities and 2450 infections during the current year. The health authorities detect rising numbers of secondary dengue infections, which present more dangerous health complications beyond the initial disease.

Understanding the risks of secondary infections

The dengue virus causes dengue fever through its four serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. A person who gets infected with one serotype will gain protection from that specific type, yet still remains susceptible to others. When a person contracts a new serotype through secondary infection, their immune system creates an antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) which worsens the disease and could develop into severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever.

“When the body encounters a virus of another serotype, previously developed antibodies bind to the new virus, forming a compound. This compound enters immune cells, potentially triggering a cytokine storm, which can have serious consequences. This reaction can lead to internal bleeding and dangerous complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to avoid severe outcomes,” stated Dr. B Padmakumar, Principal of Govt. Medical College, Kollam.

Environmental factors play a role in outbreaks.

The summer rainfall in Kerala provides the perfect environment for Aedes mosquitoes to multiply since they are the main carriers of dengue fever. The primary breeding areas for Aedes mosquitoes include containers and tires that people dump. The combination of high temperatures supports rapid virus reproduction inside mosquitoes, thus elevating the potential for disease spread.

Close-up of Dengue, a mosquito bites a white boy's arm

In 2023, Bangladesh reported over 300,000 dengue cases and more than 1,700 deaths, the highest toll in its history.Representative Image: FeePik

Precautionary measures and public health response

The Kerala health department implemented stronger surveillance, together with control measures, to address the current outbreak. Efforts include:

Resource reduction: Getting rid of still water places to stop mosquito breeding.
Awareness to the public: Teaching the public about the signs and ways for the prevention of dengue.
Medical readiness: Hospital preparedness and the presence of necessary inventories to deal with severe cases.

The populace is advised to exercise personal precautions, including the use of mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and ensuring that their surroundings are free from standing water.

The Importance of Vigilance

Though the majority of dengue cases go through a mild process, the potential for severe complications, particularly in subsequent infections, necessitates continued vigilance. The full preventative cooperation from the public is critical to the control of the disease's spread.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)

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Kerala on High Alert as Secondary Dengue Infections Rise

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