Infectious diseases surge; Kerala on alert as health dept monitor leptospirosis and dengue cases

Thiruvananthapuram: Due to rise in infectious diseases in Kerala, particularly leptospirosis and dengue, the Health Department has decided to keep a close watch on the situation for the next two weeks. A special committee will also be formed to study the spread of leptospirosis and dengue.

Leptospirosis cases
Reports said that 339 people have died from leptospirosis in Kerala, with the deaths of 187 people officially confirmed by the government. Over the last 11 months, more than 5,000 people have received treatment for the disease, with 3,043 cases confirmed. Delays in diagnosing leptospirosis are making the disease more severe. Patients should be aware of symptoms like high fever, headache, muscle pain, and red eyes.
People who are exposed to dirty water are advised to take doxycycline tablets to prevent the disease. Those with cut on their hands or legs should avoid contact with contaminated water.

Dengue cases
This year, 129 people have died from dengue. As of the latest update, 71,035 people have sought treatment for the disease. With the ongoing rains, there will be more focus on controlling mosquitoes, with local measures being put in place.

Hepatitis-related deaths reach 84
So far this year, 84 people have died from hepatitis A, a liver disease caused by a viral infection. A total of 24,681 people have sought treatment for hepatitis, with 6,600 cases confirmed. Health experts said that the situation is getting worse. Contaminated water, including water polluted with faeces, and contact with dirty water are the main ways the disease spreads.

Infectious diseases 2024 (People who underwent treatment, deaths until November 15)

• Dengue: 71,035 cases, 129 deaths
• Leptospirosis: 5,399 cases, 339 deaths
• Malaria: 796 cases, 5 deaths
• Chikungunya: 29 cases, 2 deaths
• Cholera: 65 cases, 2 deaths
• Chickenpox: 23,840 cases, 16 deaths
• Typhoid: 836 cases, 18 deaths
• West Nile: 56 cases, 8 deaths
• Monkeypox: 5 cases, 0 deaths
• Pneumonia: 25 cases, 25 deaths