PRO/SOAS> Leptospirosis, dengue – India: (Kerala) increasing
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LEPTOSPIROSIS, DENGUE – INDIA: (KERALA) INCREASING
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Date: Sat 25 Nov 2023
Source: The New Indian Express [edited]
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/nov/25/keralaernakulam-district-placed-on-alert-for-dengue-and-leptospirosis-2635935.html
As the intermittent rains continue and diseases like dengue fever and
leptospirosis (rat fever) are on the rise in Ernakulam, the district
medical officer has urged the public to take necessary measures to
control its spread. “It is necessary to prevent the spread of
disease-carrying mosquitoes. People should work together to prevent
disease transmission,” said Dr Shakina K, district medical officer
[DMO].
Kochi Corporation has the highest number of dengue and
leptospirosis-infected people in the district.
More cases have been reported in areas including Kaloor, Mattancherry,
Edappally, Vaduthala, Koothappadi, Kalamassery, Thrikkakara, and
Tripunithura. Dengue mosquitoes are found in areas near construction
sites. Stagnant water is also a potential breeding ground for these
mosquitoes.
“Effective prevention is possible only through the collective action
of the people’s representatives along with the volunteers and various
departments and full participation of the public. Fridays, Saturdays,
and Sundays of every week should be observed as dry days. Also,
sanitation and agricultural workers and people who come in contact
with soil and sewage should take doxycycline as prescribed by the
health workers,” she added.
Self-treatment for fatigue and diseases like fever must be avoided.
“Those with symptoms such as prolonged fever, body aches, and fatigue
must seek medical treatment and communicate with the doctor in case of
contact with soil and wastewater. Delay in proper diagnosis and
treatment can lead to severe illness and even death,” said the DMO.
Precautions