Thiruvananthapuram: With the arrival of monsoon, contagious diseases are on the rise across Kerala forcing the health department to augment precautionary actions.  

Over 1.5 lakh fever cases have been reported so far from the state, said sources. 

Viral and bacterial diseases like dengue, leptospirosis (rat fever) and viral fever are spreading rapidly across the State.

In all, 877 dengue fever cases were reported from several parts of the state. 

The health department revealed that dengue and rat fever claimed 23 lives within two weeks in Kerala. A total of 13 people died of dengue fever within 17 days, while 27 rat fever deaths were reported in the last six months.

Manorama News reported that many are suffering from viral fever which has symptoms similar to COVID-19. 

The health department has urged the public to avoid self-medication and urged to exercise extreme caution to avoid chances of infection.

In Ernakulam, the number of fever patients crossed 1,000 on Saturday. Many are admitted to various hospitals.

Government and private hospitals have reported a rise in the number of fever patients. Fever wards are almost full in most hospitals.

However, it is alleged that lapses of the local self-governments in carrying out pre-monsoon cleaning activities led to the spread of contagious diseases in the state. In Kochi city, waste piles are found in various parts. 

Health minister Veena George noted that people working in fields are prone to rat fever: hence they should wear gloves and boots, and also take the 'Doxycycline' tablet once a week, as per the advice of health workers.