Belated Monsoons, Timely Diseases

Not only has the belated and insufficient monsoons brought havoc to the rain quenched state but also has it showered its attendant contingent of infectious diseases. Inadequate quantity of rain is posing severe threat to the State's power generation sector, drinking water storage, and agriculture. All these three activities are profoundly dependent on the monsoon that visits the State on almost all June months with clock-like perfection.


Poor Rainfalls :

However, things have changed this year and the statistics graph an insufficient fall of rainwater, quite unexpectedly. The Kerala State Electricity Board has come out with their incapability of providing uninterrupted power supply as the water storage in the catchments areas of hydroelectric power stations have deteriorated to alarming proportions. It is reported that the reserve stock of water in our dams are sufficient to generate electricity for just 20 further days only. Such is the gravity of the situation that the State has plunged into. The situation is no better in the drinking water scenario. It has become a fact about the shortfall of the needed quantity of suitable drinking water. Monsoon rains were considered as the solid source that brought-up the water table of this land. Even in spite of rains falling in isolated regions, drinking water scarcity has already gripped the State.


Diseases as Usual:

Even if the quantity of rains has dipped to below normal, the monsoon's normal share of highly infectious disease has started its attack without fail. Dreaded diseases like rat fever (Weil's disease), dengue fever (Japanese Encephalitis) etc are spreading like wild fire all over the State. The Western coastal belt as usual, has become the most vulnerable points of target rather than the Eastern Highland areas. This happens because of the overburden of this land-stretch with waterlogged marshes, contaminated water systems and weed roofed ponds and reservoirs. Microorganisms of infectious diseases breed and multiply in water systems, that out of their high contamination level prove to be safe havens for them. Persons who come into physical contact with such water bodies turn out to be easy victims to such diseases. The germs enter their bodies even through minor cuts and wounds. Those who are related with them in some way or the other at the same time become susceptible to disease stretch.


Causes Numerous:

Climatic variations are also yet another cause of disease spread. The sudden onset of monsoons after recession of an extended hot summer diminishes the normal health status of an average individual forcing him prone to diseases. Simultaneously the normal diseases like dysentery and vomiting have also become pervasive. At the same time, it has to be worth noted that following the strict health and sanitary regulatory measures integrated by the authorities, dreaded disease like the Cholera has shown signs of decline. Viral fever, irritation on skins is also being noticed throughout the State. The viral fever becomes lethal in some cases, particularly in children because the high temperature that come as accompaniment stands for more than 12 hours.

The monsoon specialty disease, Weil's disease, as medical experts christen it, is the real villain killing quite a large number each year. The germs of this particular disease spread through water and enters human body through wounds and cuts mainly through physical contacts. The only available control measure is to exercise supplementary and focused vigil, especially those people who work in the fields and paddy farms regularly. Weeds enclosed ponds and water storages should be viewed only with caution, as they become favourable dwelling for rats because of its advantageous shelter providing characteristics. Sunlight is prevented from passing down in total, thereby helping the diseases germs to flourish uninterruptedly from the sharp rays of the sun. In such positive conditions, the germs can sustain even for weeks.


Coastal Areas Worst Affected : 

The coastal districts of Alapuzha, Ernakulam and parts of Kollam and Kottayam are the main places, which are reeling under the persecution of these categories of ailments. Last year, in Kottayam over 20 infected persons died out of the Weil's disease. However, this year, until now, no deaths are reported. But according to the official figures, 29 persons have become victims and they are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. In Ernakulam, an unidentified middle-aged man died out of this disease.


Remedial Measures Mooted:

The Department of Health had meanwhile initiated all possible steps to check the spread of this disease. Details regarding reports of all such diseases are being collected by the concerned Medical Officers of each district on war-footing basis. The most efficient way, according to the Health authorities, to check the spread of such diseases, is the creation of proper awareness coupled with apt preventive measures. However, the cash strapped State is finding it difficult even to meet such an exigent situation. Lack of funds proves to be the main hurdle coming midway of the Health authorities. With a view of spreading the message of prevention, the Health authorities have armed their personnel with training programmes and educational kits long before. Staff of the local bodies were also brought under this purview and adequate training programmes were delivered to them.

Considering the importance of the situation, the Health department had drawn out a well-defined plan with active co-operation of the Agriculture Department to combat the wide spread of rats in the State. An effective plan is being envisaged to eradicate rats, for which the people are provided with kits containing poisons and certain other materials that are capable of driving away rodents from domestic surroundings. The local bodies have also undertaken steps on their own like fogging and cleaning of drainage channels to check the spread of mosquitoes, chlorination of fresh water reserves etc.


Water Scarcity Severe:

Nevertheless, an important point to be mentioned here is that even in spite of rainfall, there is acute scarcity of drinking water in almost all parts of the State. This will certainly elevate the malady to irrepressible confines. It is natural for the people to depend on the available source of water, if potable water is not provided as and when necessary. Contaminated water is also another cause of disease-spread and as is common elsewhere in the Country; Kerala is also dipping into a situation where drinking water is growing insufficient. 


S Gopakumar 


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