Rat fever threat looms large after flood

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has warned of possible spread of leptospirosis (rat fever) in the state due to heavy rains. Minister Veena George said people in flood-affected areas and rescue workers should take the anti-leptospirosis pill doxycycline as prescribed by health workers. Doxycycline is free at all government hospitals.

Rat fever is transmitted through contact with contaminated water. It can cause death if not diagnosed and treated early. This bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. The disease enters the human body through skin wounds, eyes, nose and mouth.

Symptoms

• Severe fever and sometimes chills
• Headache, muscle aches, pain below the knee, back pain
• Redness of the eyes, jaundice, yellowing of the skin, eyes and urine
• Lack of hunger, nausea, vomiting, red spots on the skin

Pay attention

• Those stepping in water should wear gloves, knee-length shoes and a mask
• Do not allow children to play in stagnant water.
• Wash hands and feet with soap after stepping in water.
• Doxycycline tablets should be taken 200 mg once a week for six weeks during exposure to contaminant water.
• Contact a health care professional as soon as symptoms appear and do not self-medicate.