April 8, 2025

Dengue & Mosquito-Borne Diseases: How to Stay Safe in Kerala

Kerala’s tropical climate, heavy rainfall, and abundant greenery create the perfect storm for mosquito-borne diseases. Among them, Dengue fever has become a growing public health concern, especially during monsoon and post-monsoon months. As urban expansion increases and stagnant water collects in everyday spaces, the risk of outbreaks grows rapidly—even within city limits like Kochi.
Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito. What makes this mosquito dangerous is its habit of biting during the daytime—particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.

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Common Symptoms of Dengue:
Sudden high fever
Severe headaches
Pain behind the eyes
Joint and muscle pain (“breakbone fever”)
Skin rashes
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting

In severe cases, the disease can escalate into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)—both of which are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Kerala’s vulnerability to mosquito-borne diseases is closely tied to its environmental conditions. Water accumulating in coconut shells, old tyres, flower pots, discarded containers, and even bottle caps becomes breeding grounds for mosquito larvae. This is especially common after rainfall, where water stagnation becomes difficult to control.

How to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illnesses:
Use mosquito repellents throughout the day
Wear full-sleeved, light-colored clothing
Install window and door mesh screens
Sleep under mosquito nets
Clear stagnant water around your home and workplace
Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, and pet dishes regularly
Dispose of unused containers and cover overhead tanks

​To prevent dengue, protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water around your home. ​

Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses require timely diagnosis to prevent complications. While specific tests like the NS1 Antigen and IgM/IgG Antibody tests are used to confirm the presence of the virus, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) remains a critical first-line investigation. It helps track key indicators such as platelet levels, white blood cell count, and haematocrit, which can signal the severity of the infection. At Hi-Tech Diagnostic Centre, we offer accurate and efficient CBC testing across all our branches in Kochi, providing essential diagnostic support in the early management of these diseases.
Our fully automated laboratories across 29 branches in Kochi ensure fast turnaround and precise reporting. If you or someone in your family is experiencing symptoms, seek medical advice and get tested without delay.

Let’s take proactive steps together to keep Kerala safe, healthy, and dengue-free. Visit your nearest Hi-Tech Diagnostic Centre or book a test online today

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