Kerala stars Mohanlal, Meera Jasmine fall ill

Thiruvanthapuram: The Malayalam film industry has been badly hit by chikungunya. Apparently, more than 40 Malayalam actors are suffering from mosquito-transmitted diseases like chikungunya and dengue.

Superstar Mohanlal, a three-time National Award winning actor, and actress Meera Jasmine are among those who have come down with the viral infection.

A large number of members of the Malayalam Actors Association were absent from a recent meeting of the association in Kochi as they were unwell.

The viral outbreak has also led to the cancellation of many film shootings.

The Aedes mosquito that breeds in stagnant freshwater can carry chikungunya and dengue viruses.

The chikungunya outbreak in Kerala and the approach of the monsoon has spurred the local government to launch preventive measures.

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