Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 12: A sudden rise in mosquito density across several pockets of the district has triggered renewed fears of a dengue upswing in Kerala’s worst-hit region. Health officials, however, clarified that no unusual surge in cases has been recorded so far, even as routine infections continue to surface in urban slums, coastal areas and various Corporation wards.

Kerala has reported 10,499 confirmed dengue cases and 28,380 probable cases this year, along with 51 confirmed and 23 probable deaths. Despite the numbers, officials maintain that 2025 has been comparatively stable with no major seasonal spikes.

In contrast, 2024 logged 20,674 confirmed and 53,536 probable cases, while 2017 marked the State’s worst-ever outbreak with nearly 88,000 infections overwhelming hospitals, especially in southern districts.

Kerala remains hyperendemic for all four dengue serotypes circulating year-round. A WHO–Health Department study conducted between 2017 and 2020 found a sero prevalence of 30.9% among schoolchildren, with nearly half of children in Thiruvananthapuram exposed to past infections.

Recent shifts in dominant serotypes — from DENV 1 and 2 to DENV 3 and 4 — have heightened concerns, as secondary infections carry a greater risk of complications. Experts emphasise the need for clinicians to stay alert to serotype-related symptoms to ensure timely diagnosis.

With vector indices climbing sharply, authorities are urging intensified source reduction and community participation to prevent a potential spike in cases.