THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 34 people have died due to infectious diseases in Kerala state so far this month. The deaths were due to rat fever, dengue, hepatitis, encephalitis and scrub typhus. As many as 2,045 people have been infected with dengue this month. 402 people were infected with rat fever, 1,295 with hepatitis, 62 with scrub typhus, 1,027 with chickenpox and 15,731 with water-borne diseases.

16 people have died due to rat fever and seven due to dengue. Six people died of hepatitis, three with symptoms of encephalitis, and two due to scrub typhus. Rat fever and dengue are more dangerous. The cause of rat fever deaths is the lack of treatment from the beginning. The health department has found that deaths are higher in those who did not take doxycycline pills after venturing into contaminated water.

Health experts have warned people to be extra cautious as intermittent rains continue. Dengue can be avoided to some extent if the source destruction of mosquitoes is streamlined. Water-logging situations should also be avoided.

Rat fever: Stay safe

• Those who get into the sewage should take a rat fever prevention pill. The virus can quickly reach the body if people, including those with injuries to the leg, get into dirty water.
• Rat fever deaths are caused by self-treatment by trivialising the fever
• Seek medical attention if you have a fever for more than three days. Tests should be done as per the doctor's instructions.