Reportedly the increase in the number of leptospirosis cases reported in kerala after the extreme rains, floods and landslides has caused major concern. Earlier in August alone, three people have died due to leptospirosis and about 90 confirmed cases have been reported from across the state and the death of Kozhikode native, 32 year old Noushad on Sunday is the latest case.
Accordingly Leptospirosis or ‘rat fever,’ is a zoonotic infection that is spread to humans through animals, is caused by the bacteria leptospira. Further it is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids, usually the urine, of an infected animal, or through contact with soil or water which has been contaminated with infected urine. Perhaps when a person with wound comes in contact with contaminated water, the bacteria is likely to enter the body through it.
Moreover the most common symptoms are fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, and excessive tiredness. Hence in the wake of recent floods and landslides in the state, the health department had given out warnings against the spread of infections. Accordingly about 182 people in the state are suspected to be infected with rat fever. Perhaps the department had particularly emphasized spread of rat fever and had started doxycycline drive in flood hit districts to prevent the spread of the disease. It has been advised that those who come in contact with flood water should take doxycycline tablets as prescribed by the health department officials.
