The Case Details

Ajaichandran, 63, a resident of Kowdiar, died on April 20 after contracting cholera.The state health department officially recorded the death on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) portal. This marks the first cholera-related death in Kerala for 2025 [2].

Timeline of Events

• Initial Symptoms: ajaichandran was admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram with a fever.
• Progression: He had a running fever for two days. Later,he developed diarrhoea,according to a health official who investigated the death [2].
• Diagnosis: Samples were taken, and the results came back positive for Cholera. The test was conducted at a private hospital and was reported to the District Medical Office, Thiruvananthapuram [2].
• Underlying Conditions: The health official noted, He also had other health conditions [2].

Immediate Response

Following the confirmation of the cholera death, the city corporationS health wing initiated surveillance activities in the Kowdiar area. A health official with the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation stated:

We have been told that the family had a travel history. Steps have been taken to collect water samples from the house and neighbouring areas. We are awaiting results to rule out chances of contamination of water.

Community Involvement

S Sathi kumari, the ward councillor of Kowdiar, played a crucial role in coordinating the response. She stated:

When I visited the house, his family members told me that he was diagnosed with Cholera. I got in touch with the health wing for further steps.
S Sathi Kumari, ward councillor of Kowdiar

Investigation and Contact Tracing

Health officials are working to determine the source of the infection. According to an official from the disease investigation wing:

However, it needs to be understood from where he may have contracted the disease.He had retired from the Agriculture department and ran a business which required a lot of travel.

The corporation health wing noted that while family members had a travel history, Ajaichandran had remained at home [2]. No other family member has shown any symptoms of Cholera [2].

Past Incidents

In 2024, Thiruvananthapuram recorded a suspected cholera death of a 26-year-old inmate of a private care home, following severe vomiting and diarrhoea. More cases were reported from the care home, though this death was recorded as a suspected case on the IDSP portal [2]. Before 2025, kerala had recorded one cholera death in the last 10 years, which occurred in 2017 [2].

FAQ: Cholera in Kerala

What is the primary cause of Cholera?

Cholera is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water [1].

When was the last Cholera-related death in Kerala before this?

The last confirmed Cholera death in Kerala occurred in 2017 [2].

What immediate steps are being taken after the reported death?

The health wing of the city corporation has initiated surveillance activities, including collecting water samples from the affected area to check for contamination [2].