Rat fever in Kerala on rise as water recedes after floods; Govt issues alert

Outbreak of diseases in the state has already claimed seven lives since August 29, prompting the state government to issue an alert to the people to maintain extra vigil.

Image: PTI

New Delhi: As the state of Kerala is gradually trying to recuperate after the devastating flood, residents are faced with fresh challenges. Floodwaters, though receded now, have led to spread of water-borne diseases in the state due to decaying animal carcass. Added to this, lodging remains a problem, as houses have either collapsed or have been left in dilapidated state. Outbreak of diseases in the state has already claimed seven lives since August 29, prompting the state government to issue an alert to the people to maintain extra vigil. Rat fever or leptospirosis is on rise and three people died of it on Sunday. As per health officials number of fever cases were also on the rise. Around 350 people with suspected symptoms of leptospirosis took treatment in different parts of the state, and out of this more than 150 cases were tested positive in the last five days, PTI reported. Most cases of leptospirosis were reported from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Health Minister K K Shailaja said people who had come in contact with flood water, should maintain extra vigil. Those engaged in cleaning operations should take the prescribed dose of Doxycyclin, she said adding people should not go for self-medication if they catch fever. Enough stock of the medicine was available in all health centres and government hospitals in the state, she added. As many as 483 people have lost lives in the Kerala ever since the calamitous floods took place. 14 people were still missing. A fortnight after the massive floods affecting 55 lakh people ravaged Kerala, 13,000 people are still reported to be in various relief camps.