Concern looms as rat fever cases in Kerala cross 5000 mark

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Concern looms in Kerala after the number of patients with rat fever crossed 5000. This is the figure from government hospitals for the past 11 months. 356 people have died of the disease. Despite the availability of effective medicine and treatment for rat fever, the increasing number of patients and deaths poses a concern.

An average of 32 people die of leptospirosis in the state every month. Out of the 356 people who died this year, 207 were diagnosed with the disease before their death. 149 people died with leptospirosis symptoms. Since the symptoms are similar to those of the flu, most people initially ignore them. They visit hospitals only when the illness aggravates.

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria found in soil and in the urine of rats, cats, dogs, and cattle. The main symptoms are high fever, headache, and body aches. Other symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle aches, back pain, and diarrhoea. If treated early, the disease can be cured. Bedridden patients who did not come into contact with dirty water or unsanitary conditions have also contracted Leptospirosis in the past 11 months. Deaths have also been reported.

• Those who enter sewage should take doxycycline tablets once a week as prescribed by a doctor.

• Those who take medication for lifestyle diseases can also take doxycycline.

• Those working in dirty conditions can protect themselves from 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.