Kerala's First Cholera Death in a Decade Triggers Wide-Ranging Surveillance Efforts

Thalavady, Alappuzha: Panchayat authorities and health officials have gone into high alert mode after a 48-year-old man tested positive for cholera, the first such case reported in Kerala this year. The patient is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvalla.

The District Medical Officer convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation. "We are working closely with the hospitals and sending water samples for testing," said Gayathri B Nair, president of the panchayat council. Authorities have also started intensive surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to officials, finding strains of Vibrio Cholerae in blood is an unusual presentation. Typically, cholera bacteria are detected in stool samples, and infection through blood may occur due to ulcers caused by the bacteria in the gut. However, the exact cause need to be confirmed.

Thalavady panchayat has also initiated a precautionary measure by checking water samples sent for testing. During summer, water is distributed from other areas, including places south of Thiruvananthapuram. Authorities have collected water samples for further analysis as the patient's residence falls outside these coverage zones.

Earlier this year, in April, a 63-year-old resident of Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram tested positive for cholera after their death on April 20 was also confirmed to be due to Cholera. The two cases share similarities and had no clusters or family members displaying symptoms.

To identify the strain of bacteria, samples will be sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata, said officials. This brings into focus a high level of alertness among health authorities in the state as they strive for early detection and effective treatment measures to prevent the spread of the disease.