Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst intermittent showers, Leptospirosis cases are shooting up in Thiruvananthapuram and a woman died of fever in the capital this week.
Three people died due to leptospirosis and 109 were diagnosed with the disease in the capital until July 31. A dozen more cases were reported in August also. Thiuvananthapuram tops the state in the number of Leptospirosis cases followed by Pathanamthitta (107). With high mortality rate, this year, Leptospirosis has killed 28 people in Kerala almost as much as dengue (29). The Leptospirosis cases peaked in July and continue to be on the high side amidst intermittent showers and sunshine.
A woman identified as Stella, 51 of Rajajinagar died of fever earlier this year. Labourers and people in farm sectors formed most of the victims. The health department was providing doxycycline on a short-term basis for those working in high-risk conditions.
As per the data available with the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) officials, nearly a dozen Leptospirosis was reported in this week. The cases were being reported in areas like Aryanad, Kottukal, Vilappil, Kadakampally, Aramada, Amachal, Chackai among others.
Leptospirosis is spread from the urine of rodents, dogs and farm animals etc. Direct contact with urine leads to the infection. Once the Leptospira interrogans bacteria enters the body the disease gets worsened in a week.
