{
  "id": 10047053,
  "title": "Ernakulam continues to report highest number of influenza cases in Keralam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/ernakulam-continues-to-report-highest-number-of-influenza-cases-in",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-26T19:04:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ernakulam-continues-to-report-highest-number-of-influenza-cases-in-keralam/article71513754.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ernakulam continues to lead in Kerala's influenza cases, with 969 confirmed instances as of September 26, according to the latest data. The State recorded 2,205 confirmed influenza cases during the month, while 20 deaths were reported due to the illness. District Medical Officer Dr. R. Shahirsha anticipates a rise in fever cases in April next year, attributing the prediction to the El Niño phenomenon.\n\nDr. Shahirsha emphasized the importance of preventing person-to-person transmission and highlighted the implementation of the 'Arogyabheri' epidemic prevention action plan across all local bodies since September. The joint initiative between the district panchayat and the Health department aims to raise awareness about adopting healthy and sanitation practices to curb the spread of infectious diseases.\n\nDuring the same period, Ernakulam reported 58 confirmed and 12 suspected cases of leptospirosis, along with 649 suspected and 234 confirmed dengue cases. Four deaths have been attributed to leptospirosis. Health expert Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the Research Cell at the Indian Medical Association's Kerala State, noted that the flu season is nearing its end, and the district's status as a travel hub contributes to the ongoing cases of influenza and dengue. As the monsoon concludes, Ernakulam expects a decline in influenza and leptospirosis cases, while fever cases persist due to the recent festive season fostering the spread of various viruses.",
  "summary": "A total of 969 cases reported in the district till September 26. The State recorded 2,205 confirmed influenza cases during the month. As many as 20 deaths were reported due to influenza in the State.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ernakulam leads Kerala with 969 confirmed influenza cases as of September 26",
    "State recorded 2,205 influenza cases in September, 20 deaths reported",
    "District Medical Officer predicts rise in fever cases in April due to El Niño"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}