Kozhikode district has been experiencing a noticeable and concerning increase in both chickenpox cases and hospital admissions for acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) over the past few weeks. This surge is prompting health officials to issue warnings and advice to the public.
Statistics from the Health department’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme reveal a clear upward trend. On September 23 alone, 16 new cases of chickenpox and 178 cases of ADD were reported. Just the day before, on September 22, the numbers stood at six chickenpox cases and 129 ADD cases. Earlier in the week, on September 21, five chickenpox cases and 60 ADD cases were documented, followed by 10 chickenpox cases and 101 ADD cases on September 20. The preceding day saw a significant 200 ADD cases and nine chickenpox cases.
Chickenpox, a highly contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus, primarily affects children. It spreads easily through direct contact and airborne respiratory droplets. Health experts suggest that the region’s changing climate, marked by the slow recession of the southwest monsoon and fluctuating daily temperatures, is contributing to this increase. The combination of warm weather and high humidity creates an ideal breeding ground for the virus to thrive. Common symptoms of chickenpox include an itchy rash, fever, headache, and a sore throat.
The rise in ADD cases is largely linked to the consumption of water from contaminated sources, alongside instances of fungal infections and food poisoning. Acute diarrheal disease manifests with symptoms such as loose stools, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. In severe situations, it can lead to dangerous dehydration, making prompt medical attention crucial.