Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala should be on guard in the wake of the outbreak of Chikungunya in the French-occupied Reunion Islands, a territory bordering the eastern part of Africa, Health Minister Veena George said. The previous widespread Chikungunya outbreak occurred in 2006-2007. At that time, the disease started in the Reunion Islands and spread to Asian countries, including our country.
Although not as numerous, Chikungunya is now spreading in the Reunion Islands. About 15,000 people have been confirmed to be infected with the disease and many people, including newborns, have been admitted to hospitals. Following this, the World Health Organization convened a meeting of experts and assessed the situation. It is in this context that the Health Department has issued a warning.
Districts have been instructed to strengthen the state’s defenses. Chikungunya is spread by Aedes aegypti/albopictus mosquitoes. Therefore, it is essential to intensify mosquito control activities and take personal safety precautions. Pre-monsoon cleaning meetings were held under the leadership of the Chief Minister and the Health Minister. The Minister also requested that all local bodies carry out pre-monsoon cleaning properly.
