Authors
Dr Vasudevan S, Professor, Department of Urology, Medical College, Trivandrum; Chief Editor, Kerala Medical Journal
Abstract
Background: The text identifies a significant fever epidemic in Kerala causing considerable morbidity and mortality, with a primary aim to prevent further deaths. Specific districts (Trivandrum, Kollam, Kozhikode, Palakkad) are highlighted as high-burden areas requiring special attention.Objective: To outline the strategies and conclusions of the IMA Expert Committee for fever control, focusing on effective disease management, resource mobilization, public engagement, source reduction, responsible media use, research, and addressing unscientific practices.Strategies/Methods: The committee proposes strategies across several domains: promoting government treatment guidelines; clarifying platelet use in dengue (reserved for severe thrombocytopenia or bleeding); restricting NSAIDs/corticosteroids; empowering doctors through CMEs; mobilizing medical resources including personnel and fever clinics; fostering public participation via consortiums and awareness programs in schools and communities; emphasizing urgent mosquito control and respiratory hygiene; engaging media for scientific information dissemination; strengthening data collection and research on fever patterns and fatal cases; and strongly discouraging unscientific remedies that lack credible evidence.Key Conclusions/Recommendations: Routine platelet therapy for dengue is not required unless severe thrombocytopenia (<10,000) or bleeding. NSAIDs and corticosteroids should never be used in suspected dengue. Urgent mosquito control is paramount, alongside promotion of proper hygiene. Unscientific approaches, including homeopathic ‘preventive’ drugs or self-medication with substances like papaya leaves, are strongly discouraged as they divert focus from evidence-based prevention and treatment. Multi-sectoral collaboration and scientific information dissemination are crucial.