Kannur: The spread of dengue fever in Kerala following summer rains is becoming a growing concern. Although most people experience only mild symptoms, the disease can turn severe if a person contracts it again.

Last year, 20,568 dengue cases were confirmed, while 53,688 people were suspected to have the disease. Many cases, however, go undetected due to the presence of only minor symptoms.

Risk increases with second infection

The illness becomes more severe when a person is reinfected by a different subtype of the virus. So far this year, 2,450 cases have been confirmed, and 15 people have died due to complications.

The Health Department has assessed that Kerala is now one of the primary dengue-prone regions in the country. The rising temperatures provide ideal conditions for the breeding of the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the disease.

Warmer weather also accelerates the division of the virus within the mosquito. Prevention efforts must focus on eliminating the mosquito’s breeding sources.

Complications from different serotypes

Dengue virus, which is part of the flavivirus family, has four serotypes: 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Last year, serotype 1 was prevalent in the state. A first-time infection prompts the body to produce antibodies against that specific serotype. These antibodies offer protection if the same serotype reappears.

However, if reinfection occurs with a different serotype, the immune response can worsen the condition—a rare phenomenon known as Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE).

Cytokine storms and serious outcomes

“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.