Aarushi Bhadury

Kerala Announces Leptospirosis Awareness Campaign As Deaths Rise: Top Symptoms To Note

Leptospirosis (Credit-Canva)

<span>Kerala</span> has been grappling with a severe outbreak of <span>leptospirosis</span>, or rat fever, in recent years. The disease has claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the state, with 253 deaths reported in the first eight months of 2024 alone. This figure is significantly higher than last year's total of 283 deaths. 

Health experts believe that the actual number of deaths due to leptospirosis in Kerala is likely much higher than the official figures. As private hospitals are reluctant to disclose the number of cases and deaths, the true toll of the disease may be double or even triple the reported figures. Since 2021, leptospirosis has claimed over 1000 lives in the state. 

<h2>Factors Contributing to the Outbreak</h2>

Several factors have contributed to the increase in leptospirosis cases in Kerala. Waterlogging and heavy rainfall, which create ideal breeding grounds for rats, have exacerbated the problem. Lack of public awareness about the disease and inadequate preventive measures have also played a significant role. 

 To combat the spread of leptospirosis and reduce the death toll, the Kerala government's Rapid Response Team (RRT) has intensified public awareness campaigns. The RRT has conducted meetings to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, and preventive measures. 

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria called <span>Leptospira</span>. It can be spread from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals' urine or reproductive fluids, or by coming into contact with contaminated water, soil, food, or water. 

Despite the recent outbreak of leptospirosis, Kerala has made significant strides in improving the health status of its population. The state's high literacy rate, well-functioning public distribution system, and strong workers' organizations have contributed to its impressive health outcomes.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Health Indices</span> and Challenges</h2>

Kerala has achieved remarkable improvements in health indices, such as high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates. However, the state is also facing new challenges, including the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Communicable diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and swine flu continue to be major concerns. 

<h2>Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Road Accidents</h2>

Other emerging health threats in Kerala include mental health problems, suicide, substance abuse, adolescent health issues, and the increasing number of road traffic accidents. The health status of marginalized communities like adivasis and fisher folk remains poor compared to the general population. 

To address these challenges, Kerala needs concerted and committed efforts with proper intersectoral coordination. By strengthening its healthcare system and implementing effective public health measures, the state can continue to improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

Many people with leptospirosis experience flu-like symptoms, while others may have no symptoms at all. In severe cases, the disease can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. 

<strong>Symptoms of Acute Leptospirosis</strong>

<ul><li>High fever</li><li>Red eyes</li><li>Headache</li><li>Chills</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Abdominal pain</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)</li><li>Rash</li></ul>

<strong>Symptoms of Severe Leptospirosis (Weil's Syndrome)</strong>

<ul><li>Coughing up blood</li><li>Chest pain</li><li>Trouble breathing</li><li>Severe yellowing of the skin or eyes</li><li>Black, tarry stool</li><li>Blood in urine</li><li>Decreased urine output</li><li>Flat, red spots on the skin (petechiae)</li></ul>

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Kerala has been grappling with a severe outbreak of leptospirosis, or rat fever, in recent years. The disease has claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the state, with 253 deaths reported in the first eight months of 2024 alone. This figure is significantly higher than last year's total of 283 deaths. Health experts believe that the actual number of deaths due to leptospirosis in Kerala is likely much higher than the official figures. As private hospitals are reluctant to disclose the number of cases and deaths, the true toll of the disease may be double or even triple the reported figures. Since 2021, leptospirosis has claimed over 1000 lives in the state. Factors Contributing to the OutbreakSeveral factors have contributed to the increase in leptospirosis cases in Kerala. Waterlogging and heavy rainfall, which create ideal breeding grounds for rats, have exacerbated the problem. Lack of public awareness about the disease and inadequate preventive measures have also played a significant role.  To combat the spread of leptospirosis and reduce the death toll, the Kerala government's Rapid Response Team (RRT) has intensified public awareness campaigns. The RRT has conducted meetings to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, and preventive measures. What is Leptospirosis?Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria called Leptospira. It can be spread from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals' urine or reproductive fluids, or by coming into contact with contaminated water, soil, food, or water. Despite the recent outbreak of leptospirosis, Kerala has made significant strides in improving the health status of its population. The state's high literacy rate, well-functioning public distribution system, and strong workers' organizations have contributed to its impressive health outcomes.Health Indices and ChallengesKerala has achieved remarkable improvements in health indices, such as high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates. However, the state is also facing new challenges, including the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Communicable diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and swine flu continue to be major concerns. Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Road AccidentsOther emerging health threats in Kerala include mental health problems, suicide, substance abuse, adolescent health issues, and the increasing number of road traffic accidents. The health status of marginalized communities like adivasis and fisher folk remains poor compared to the general population. To address these challenges, Kerala needs concerted and committed efforts with proper intersectoral coordination. By strengthening its healthcare system and implementing effective public health measures, the state can continue to improve the health and well-being of its citizens.Early Signs of LeptospirosisMany people with leptospirosis experience flu-like symptoms, while others may have no symptoms at all. In severe cases, the disease can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. Symptoms of Acute LeptospirosisHigh feverRed eyesHeadacheChillsMuscle achesAbdominal painNausea and vomitingDiarrheaYellow skin or eyes (jaundice)RashSymptoms of Severe Leptospirosis (Weil's Syndrome)Coughing up bloodChest painTrouble breathingSevere yellowing of the skin or eyesBlack, tarry stoolBlood in urineDecreased urine outputFlat, red spots on the skin (petechiae)