Two more die of rat fever in Kerala

Health minister says to exercise caution during the next three weeks

Kerala recorded two more deaths from confirmed leptospirosis (rat fever) cases on Monday even as the number of suspected cases continued to rise.

Since August 22, 11 deaths due to leptospirosis have been reported. Six of these 11 deaths were reported since September 1.

The two deceased on Monday are Nirmala (49), from Palakkad, and Narayani (80), from Kozhikode.

A total of 71 confirmed cases were reported on Monday and eight deaths were reported from suspected cases. A total of 42 deaths from suspected cases were reported since August 22.

Health Minister K K Shailaja said the situation was under control but sought continued caution from people engaged in the ongoing post-flood relief and cleaning exercise.

The numbers are not alarming considering the extent of the flood-affected areas.

She said most of the relief workers had taken preventive medicine (Doxycycline) before starting their work in the affected areas.

Two men who died of suspected leptospirosis on Monday – Renju (30) from Pathanamthitta and Anil (54) from Kozhikode – had volunteered in rescue and rehabilitation drives.

“There’s a need to exercise great caution during the next three weeks,” the minister said after a review meeting in Kozhikode, the worst-hit district.

Six of the 11 deaths since August 15 were reported in Kozhikode.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that spreads through water or soil contaminated by the infected animals. It spreads faster in flood conditions.

The Health Minister said the state was also facing possibilities of more dengue cases.

In August, 279 cases of dengue were confirmed and one death was reported. On Monday, 11 cases were confirmed.