Flood-hit Kerala sounds alert for diseases after flood, 28 deaths reported

Flood-hit Kerala sounds alert for diseases after flood, 28 deaths reported Flood-battered Kerala has sounded a high alert for leptospirosis (rat fever) after the water-borne disease claimed 28 lives in a month. The state health department has sounded an alert and sought more medicines from the Union health ministry. Its symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, abdominal pain and rashes. At least 300 suspected cases were reported from the state in the last three days, said a senior health official. The state health directorate has issued a leptospirosis alert for five districts, including Kozhikode and advised affected people to avoid self-treatment. Many suspected cases are being reported from Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts, said a senior health official, adding that 28 deaths were reported since August 1. At least 17 persons were killed in the nipah outbreak in June but later it was localized to two districts including Kozhikode. “During monsoon, some cases usually crop up, but this time, there is a spurt in leptospirosis cases. Out of 60 people who complained of symptoms, 28 were confirmed,” said Kozhikode district medical officer Dr V Jayasree. “We are keeping utmost vigil. All flood-hit people and relief workers have been advised to take enough precautions. The Union health ministry has promised us all help,” said state health minister K K Shailaja. -PTC News