Kerala gripped by surge in infectious diseases: 41 lives lost in 13 days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Widespread monsoon rains have triggered a severe health crisis across Kerala, leaving the state in the grip of multiple infectious diseases. Within a brief span of 13 days, the state has recorded 41 fatalities due to various seasonal and waterborne illnesses. The expanding list of diseases includes viral fever, leptospirosis (rat fever), waterborne infections, influenza, shigella, and amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Rising death toll and primary threats

Influenza and leptospirosis have emerged as the most widespread threats and the leading causes of death during this period. The official breakdown of fatalities over the 13-day window includes:

• Influenza: 9 deaths
• Leptospirosis (Rat Fever): 8 deaths
• Dengue Fever: 5 deaths
• Hepatitis A and Diarrheal Diseases: 4 deaths each
• Amoebic Meningoencephalitis: 3 deaths this month (including one recorded yesterday)
• Shigella, West Nile Fever, Acute Encephalitis, and Viral Fever: 2 deaths each

Danger of self-medication

Health experts have expressed serious concern over the rising number of cases and fatalities, especially since highly effective treatments are readily available. A major factor driving the spike in critical cases is self-medication. Because both influenza and leptospirosis initially present with symptoms similar to a common fever, many patients delay visiting a hospital until their condition takes a turn for the worse.

Medical professionals emphasize that while their initial symptoms mirror each other, influenza and leptospirosis are entirely different diseases:

• Influenza is an airborne virus that spreads from person to person. It is highly dangerous for individuals with weakened immunity, the elderly, and those with pre-existing serious health conditions.
• Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which are excreted in the urine of infected animals like rats, cats, dogs, and livestock, and transmitted through contaminated water or soil.

Health department advisory and prevention guidelines

Doctors and health officials maintain that ensuring strict personal and environmental hygiene is the most effective way to prevent these diseases and save lives. The following guidelines have been issued for public safety:

• Hygiene and distancing: Maintaining personal cleanliness, environmental sanitation, social distancing, and frequent hand hygiene are vital.
• Mask mandate: Individuals suffering from a cold or cough, as well as anyone visiting hospitals, must wear masks.
• Safe drinking water: Drink only fresh, boiled and cooled water.
• School and work restrictions: Children running a fever should not be sent to school. Similar restrictions and self-isolation should be practised in workplaces.
• Seek medical care: If a fever persists for more than three days, do not rely on self-treatment. Seek immediate professional medical evaluation from a doctor.