KOCHI: Leptospirosis cases are rising in Ernakulam this year with the district reporting 42 suspected cases and 36 confirmed cases so far.
In two months and seven days, four suspected lepto deaths have also been reported. All the four deaths were reported among cattle workers.
District medical officials said those engaged in cattle farming, NREGS workers, cleaning workers, fishermen, farmers, construction labourers and those who come in contact with polluted stagnant water are prone to contract leptospirosis. The officials have urged them take preventive measures.
There were only 32 confirmed and 77 suspected leptospirosis cases in Ernakulam till May 22 last year. Suspected lepto deaths were only three during the same period. The fatality rate of leptospirosis is 15 to 20.
The officials asked people to take doxycycline tablets distributed by Asha and health workers and seek medical care when symptoms of the infection develop. Leptospirosis is a deadly disease, and delay in availing medical care will affect the functioning of key organs in the body and will lead to death.
The symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, redness in eyes and low urine output.
