Communicable and non communicable diseases

1. COMMUNICABLE
NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
IN
KERALA
AKASH PANJAMI PRADEEP
BATCH:2004

2. Kerala is witnessing an increasing burden of
communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Although the State has been successful in controlling
a number of communicable diseases earlier, the
prevalence of Dengue, Leptospirosis, Malaria,
Hepatitis, H1N1, Scrub Typhus and COVID-19 in recent
years has led to considerable morbidity and mortality.
Instances of vector borne diseases such as dengue,
malaria and scrub typhus and Water borne infections
such as different kinds of diarrhoeal diseases, typhoid
and hepatitis are also reported in many districts of
Kerala
Communicable Diseases

4. DENGUE FEVER
The main reason for this wide spread distribution is believed to be due
to the changes in the environmental factors causing proliferation of the
Dengue vector-Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitos, which in the
earlier days were seen more in rural settings has now spread to both
rural and urban areas. The underlying causes for this spread are
changes in human behaviour, clubbed with changes in bionomics of
the mosquito and climatic changes
Dengue fever, which surfaced in Kerala as early as 1998, has now
become the single largest vector borne disease in the State

5. Malaria is a significant communicable disease in Kerala, primarily caused by the
Plasmodium parasite transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles
mosquitoes.
The state's tropical climate and abundant water bodies provide favorable
conditions for mosquito breeding. Additionally, factors such as poor sanitation
and inadequate healthcare facilities contribute to the spread of malaria.
Annual cases of malaria in Kerala are less than 500 and the number of deaths
reported is also very low
Movement of fishermen along the western coast of our State is a potential threat
for spread of malaria along the coastal districts.
MALARIA

6. LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis is another public health challenge faced by the State.
Considered as a rare disease in early 1980, later spread to all districts. The disease was
seen initially as a rodent borne infection, spread through urine of the infected rodents
and the consequent contamination of the environment.
Over the years, the disease has been reported in many domestic animals such as cows, dogs
and pigs and thus has become an occupational risk for those engaged in agriculture. People,
who have been involved in cleaning of stagnant canals and drains, were reported to have
contracted the disease. More recently the mortality due to leptospirosis is also on the rise and
joint efforts of veterinary and animal husbandry departments is essential for effective control
of this disease.

7. WATER- BORNE DISEASES
The main reason for waterborne diseases is attributed to the unavailability of safe drinking
water in many parts of the District especially in tribal and coastal areas. Unhygienic drinking
water sources such as wells, pump houses, water supplied through tanker lorry, leaks in
public water supply pipes and the consequent mixing of foul water with drinking water,
dumping of waste including sewage in water sources, use of commercial ice in preparation
of cool drinks and using unsafe water in preparation of welcome drinks are some reasons
for spread of water borne diseases.

8. NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Common non-communicable diseases causing great threat to a healthy life are
diabetes, hypertension, cardio vascular diseases, cancer and lung diseases.
In India, it is estimated that 42 per cent of total death are due to NCDs. In
Kerala, the situation is more serious as more than 52 per cent of the total
death between the productive age group of 30 and 59 is due to NCD.
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardio vascular diseases, stroke and
cancer are the major non communicable diseases seen in Kerala
most prevalent NCD was hypertension (74%) and diabetes (65%)
followed by chronic respiratory disease (12%), cardiovascular disease
(11%), and cancer (2%).

12. 1. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): CVDs encompass a range of
conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These include coronary
artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and hypertension..
The state has witnessed a rapid epidemiological transition with an increase
in urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and high-
stress levels. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of
Medical Research, CVDs accounted for approximately 40% of all deaths in
Kerala. The prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, high blood
pressure, diabetes, and obesity further contributes to the burden of CVDs in
the state
Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by
high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is particularly prevalent in
Kerala due to factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy
diets (high intake of refined carbohydrates), and genetic susceptibility.
According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic
Disorders, the prevalence of diabetes among adults in Kerala was
estimated to be around 20%

13. Chronic Respiratory Diseases:
Chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and
bronchitis are also prevalent in Kerala. The high levels of air pollution, especially in urban areas,
contribute to the burden of respiratory diseases. Additionally, smoking, both active and passive, is
a significant risk factor for the development of COPD. A study published in the Indian Journal of
Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences reported that the prevalence of COPD in Kerala was around
5.7%. The study also highlighted the association between COPD and tobacco smoking.
Cancer:
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and
Kerala is no exception. The most common types of cancer in Kerala
include breast cancer, lung cancer, oral cancer, and cervical cancer.
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of cancer in the state,
including tobacco use (both smoking and chewing), alcohol
consumption, unhealthy diets, exposure to environmental pollutants,
and genetic predisposition. According to the Kerala Cancer Registry,
the age-adjusted incidence rate of cancer in Kerala was estimated to be
135 per 100,000 population.

14. HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS
Kerala Health Services Department has introduced a novel program called ‘Amrutham
Aarogyam’ which has infiltrated down to the masses and has helped in identification of more
than Ten lakhs diabetes and hypertension patients. The program also provides treatment
according to the protocol and also issues medicines free of cost.
In addition to the routine NCD screening, subsidiary screening and management
for other conditions like COPD(SWAAS), Diabetic Retinopathy (Nayanamritham),
Diabetic foot(Padasprasham), Stroke Management(SIRAS), Adolescent NCD
programme(VIBGYOR), Decentralized Cancer Management(ABHAYM) etc are
also executed under the umbrella of Amrutham Arogyam.
In 2019, Kerala has bagged the UN award for its multi-sectoral approach to the
prevention and control of non communicable diseases. The announcement has
been made by WHO.

15. Communicable vs. Non-communicable Diseases
in Kerala
While communicable diseases like malaria, dengue fever, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and
waterborne diseases continue to pose a significant health burden in Kerala due to
various environmental and socio-economic factors, non-communicable diseases such
as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer have been on the rise.
However, it is important to note that the burden of non-communicable diseases is
gradually increasing due to changing lifestyles and an aging population. Efforts
should be made to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases
through comprehensive public health interventions focusing on prevention, early
detection, treatment access, and health education.