'COVID-19 Weakened Immune System': Deaths From Infectious Diseases More Than Doubled

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Compared to the pre-Covid statistics, fatalities from infectious diseases have doubled since the pandemic outbreak. According to reports, at least 566 fatalities were reported in Kerala, which is only 234 in 2019, suggesting a significant jump in the infection-induced deaths in the state.

As per the health department, the death toll has gradually risen across the 20 or so categories of communicable diseases, while a considerable jump was reported in leptospirosis-related fatalities. Leptospirosis alone caused nearly one-third of all deaths from infectious diseases, while the fatality rate from hepatitis also saw an uptick.

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Notably, since the Covid outbreak, many people have been complaining about health complications, including recurrent diseases, infections, and tiredness. Corroborating their claims, Dr. P. S. Shajahan, a pulmonary medicine professor at Alappuzha Government TD Medical College, stated that the pandemic has weakened our immune systems, triggering the virulence of other viruses.

Also the vice-chairman of the IMA Research Cell, Dr. Shajahan added that the infectious diseases should be given the same priority as lifestyle diseases. “Early detection, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases are crucial for public health,” the New Indian Express quoted the doctor.

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The concern among the health professionals has increased as they notice increased risk of post-Covid morbidity, alongside the rising death rate due to increased exposure to infectious environments. Many public health experts have recommended the need for thorough study on the impact of Covid, especially noting the sharp increase in fatalities from communicable diseases.

The reduction of fatalities was reported in dengue deaths, though it was slight, from 153 in 2023 to 99 in 2024. But the leptospirosis-related deaths surged 65% year-on-year. According to Dr. Althaf A, an epidemiologist and professor at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical Hospital, the 2018 floods worsened the leptospirosis situation in the state.

Since the Covid pandemic, there are allegations that sudden unexplained deaths have been occurring, attributing them to the vaccination.