Daijiworld Media Network – Ernakulam

Ernakulam, Jun 17: Ernakulam has recorded 34 confirmed malaria cases since April 1, raising concern among health officials. Of these, 21 cases were reported between May 1 and June 13, while 13 cases emerged in April, according to the District Health Department.

Most of the cases were linked to Plasmodium vivax, a relatively milder strain of the disease. Authorities say the infections were mostly imported, either through inter-State travel or brought in by migrant workers and international travellers, especially from Africa.

Affected areas include Kalamassery, Kadavanthra, Vennala, Munambam, Kothamangalam, Keezhmad, Alangad, Puthrika, and several others.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, convener of the IMA Kerala Research Cell, stressed that though Kerala is a low-prevalence zone, malaria is still being reported due to imported infections. “It can be missed if doctors don’t suspect it early, especially since it's not a common fever cause in the region,” he warned.

He urged doctors to look for symptoms like fever, anaemia, and jaundice, especially in those with a travel history, and called for testing and vector control to contain the spread.

District Medical Officer Dr Ashadevi said screening has been ramped up in areas with a high number of inter-State workers. “Most patients were asymptomatic, but timely detection helped in managing the situation,” she added.