With the district reporting four leptospirosis (rat fever) deaths in two months, the Health department has issued an alert directing the public to take necessary precautions.
Since the number of cases is on the rise, doxy corners have been set up in all health centres in Kollam. Bacteria causing rat fever enter human body through water and soil contaminated with the urine of animals such as rats, cows, pigs and dogs. People who work in dirty water or soil and persons who constantly come in contact with water are at higher risk of contracting the disease.
“Symptoms include high fever, jaundice, muscle cramps, knee pain and decreased urine output. Children should not play in stagnant water. Those coming in contact with contaminated water should wash their body with soap. Food should be kept closed and avoid dumping food waste and other garbage,” says an official.
