Mosquito-borne diseases upsurge in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, July 18: Kerala Health Minister P K Sreemthi told the State Assembly today that mosquito-borne diseases are on the increase for the last seven years, in the state.

Replying to a Calling Attention by Prof N Jayaraj (KC-M), she said experts from the National Institute of Virology and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases had confirmed that the current spell of fever in the State had been caused by chikungunya virus.

Allaying the fears of the people, Ms Sreemathi said all required measures had been taken to check the spread of the disease. What was needed was mosquito eradication and scientific disposal of garbages for which she sought the cooperation of all sections of the people.

Replying to another calling attention by Mr P Viswan (CPI-M), Education Minister MA Baby said a legislation was proposed to be for enaction to regulate pre-primary education.

He said the 2001 Government Order in this regard would be strictly enforced till a new legislation homes into force.

Responding to a submission by Mr Joseph M Pudussery (KC-M), Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan said complaints about national carriers Air India and Indian realising higher fares in the Kerala-Gulf sector during peak season has been brought to the notice of the Centre, and the Civil Aviation Ministry.

UNI