November 4, 2025 : Kerala is witnessing one of its worst dengue outbreaks in recent years, with the Health Department confirming 427 deaths statewide, marking the highest toll in five years. The latest data reveals that Ernakulam district has emerged as the worst-hit region, accounting for a significant share of fatalities and infections.
Health authorities attribute the alarming surge to a combination of climatic changes, poor waste management, and stagnant water accumulation during the prolonged monsoon season. The state’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) reported that over 68,000 confirmed dengue cases have been recorded so far this year, with thousands more under observation.
Ernakulam at the Epicenter
According to officials, Ernakulam district alone has reported nearly 10,000 confirmed cases and dozens of deaths since January, making it the epicenter of the outbreak. Local hospitals, including the Government Medical College, Ernakulam, have been operating beyond capacity as the number of patients with high fever, rashes, and severe dehydration continues to rise.
District Medical Officer Dr. S. Leela said, “The number of dengue cases this year has surpassed even the 2019 outbreak. Urbanization and improper waste disposal have turned several localities into mosquito breeding hubs. We are facing immense pressure on hospital infrastructure.”
The majority of victims belong to urban and semi-urban regions, where poor drainage systems and water stagnation have made it difficult to control mosquito populations despite repeated fogging and spraying drives.
Statewide Crisis
The situation is particularly concerning across Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, which have also reported high case counts and fatalities. With hospitals overwhelmed, the Kerala Health Department has deployed special medical teams, increased testing capacity, and set up temporary fever clinics in both rural and city areas.
Health Minister Veena George held an emergency review meeting earlier this week, instructing local authorities to intensify vector control measures. “We are on high alert. Our priority is to save lives through early detection and prompt treatment. District administrations have been asked to conduct weekly inspections and eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” she said.
Changing Weather and Climate Factors
Experts believe that the changing climate pattern in Kerala — with unseasonal rainfall and warmer temperatures — has played a major role in the dengue surge. Mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species responsible for dengue transmission, are thriving longer than usual due to the humid conditions.
Entomologist Dr. K. Ramesh noted, “Kerala’s urban areas now provide an ideal breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes. The combination of scattered rainfall, high humidity, and open garbage piles has worsened the situation. Traditional fogging alone is not sufficient.”
The Health Department has collaborated with the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and local bodies to improve waste management and monitor mosquito density in high-risk zones.
Hospitals Under Pressure
Major government and private hospitals across the state have reported a shortage of ICU beds and platelets, essential for treating severe dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever). In Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, special dengue wards have been created to accommodate the surge in patients.
Medical professionals are urging people not to ignore persistent fever or self-medicate. “Early intervention is key,” said Dr. Anitha Kurup, an infectious disease specialist in Kochi. “Delays in treatment lead to complications like internal bleeding and organ failure. People must seek medical help as soon as fever or rash appears.”
Government Response and Public Awareness
To combat the crisis, the Kerala government has launched a statewide awareness campaign, focusing on community participation in keeping surroundings clean and mosquito-free. Public health messages are being circulated through radio, television, and social media platforms under the slogan “Clean Kerala,
Kerala has reported its highest dengue toll in five years, with 427 deaths and over 68,000 confirmed cases statewide. Ernakulam district is the worst affected, driven by poor waste management.