Tirur: Dengue fever is spreading across Malappuram district, with health officials urging immediate preventive action. From January to May this year, 720 confirmed cases have been reported.

In the Tirur region, 70 cases have emerged across the panchayats of Talakkad, Vettom, Purathur, Mangalam and Thirunavaya. Vettom panchayat alone has seen 17 infections. In Tirur municipality, 14 cases have been recorded in areas around the Gulf Market and Chembra Road.

Thanallur has reported eight cases. Other areas affected include Chungathara, Edavanna, Mankada, Kalikavu, Melattur and Vengara.

What causes dengue fever?

Dengue is caused by the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in clean, stagnant water and typically bites during the daytime. Symptoms usually appear three to 14 days after the virus enters the body.

Early signs include sudden high fever, intense headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, red rashes on the chest and face, as well as nausea and vomiting.

Local bodies urged to take action

With the disease spreading rapidly, local self-governing bodies have been asked to implement preventive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Residents are advised to keep their homes and surroundings clean.

The health department has also recommended legal action under the Public Health Act against households and institutions that allow waste to accumulate in a way that encourages mosquito breeding.

— Dr R. Renuka
(District Medical Officer)