314 deaths and 4688 infected in 10 months: Prevention ineffective? Leptospirosis tightening its grip

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The number of Leptospirosis cases and deaths due to it is increasing in Kerala. 4,688 people have been infected with the disease in the last ten months. 314 people have lost their lives. This is the figure in government hospitals alone. The increasing number of infected people, despite the availability of effective treatment for Leptospirosis, is a cause for concern.

An average of 30 people die of Leptospirosis every month in Kerala. Out of the 314 who died this year, 176 were diagnosed with the disease before death. 138 people died with symptoms of Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria found in the soil and in the urine of rats, cats, dogs and cattle.

People who step in sewage and work in unsanitary conditions can prevent Leptospirosis by wearing shoes and gloves. Do not walk barefoot on wet soil. The germ enters the body through cracks and small wounds in the feet.

Severe headache, fever

• The main symptom is a severe headache and fever with body aches. Severe fatigue, muscle pain, back pain, and diarrhea are also symptoms

• The disease can be completely cured if treated in the early stages. Patients must go to the hospital to make sure that it is not Leptospirosis if the fever lasts more than three days.

Doxycycline prophylaxis

Those who have to expose themselves to sewage should take 200 ml of doxycycline tablets once a week as per the instructions of health workers. They should also drink plenty of water. Those who are taking medication for lifestyle diseases can also take doxycycline tablets.

''It is not fitting for Kerala, which has better health systems, that so many people die from Leptospirosis despite being able to treat it. Footwear should be worn when going out. Those who go into sewage water regularly should take preventive tablets

-Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan,

Convenor, Research Cell, Indian Medical Association.