Kalpetta: Kerala health department issued guidelines to stop the spread of infectious diseases as heavy rains continue in the state. The department warned to be cautious against airborne, animal-borne, waterborne and insect-borne diseases. Leptospirosis ('rat fever'), dengue fever, diarrhoea, typhoid, jaundice and viral fever were found spreading with the onset of floods.

The elderly and persons suffering from various illnesses residing in the relief camps are requested to be more cautious. District Medical Officer KJ Sakeena said that the department has directed to shift those who display any symptoms of illness to hospitals.

Leptospirosis

People who had direct contact with soil or sewerage and health volunteers are requested to consume Doxycycline, which is the prevention pill against leptospirosis. It has been recommended to intake Doxycycline 200 mg once a week for 6 weeks.

Waterborne diseases

Special care has to be taken to avoid water logging as mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever, Malaria, Chikungunya, West Nile and Japanese encephalitis are likely to spread during monsoon.  

Airborne diseases

Major airborne diseases, including Covid 19, H1N1, Viral fever and Chicken pox have to be controlled by wearing masks properly, washing hands regularly with soap, and maintaining social distancing.

Waterborne diseases

Personal hygiene must be followed for controlling water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and jaundice. The department has directed to seek immediate medical help if symptoms like increased thirst; dried tongue, lips and skin; drowsiness; reduction in urine quantity and yellow colour in urine are spotted. Adequate food has to be consumed if a patient suffers from diarrhoea. The patients, who exhibit symptoms are advised to drink cooled boiled water, consume ORS solution, gruel soup or tender coconut water.

The department urged to seek medical help for skin-related diseases and conjunctivitis.

Monkeypox

The international travellers who arrive in India have to undergo self-observation for three weeks and report to the health workers if any symptoms were found.

Snakebites

Snakebites are another menace when waterlogged in the surroundings. After giving first aid, the injured person has to be immediately carried to the hospital.

The health department alerted the volunteers and others, who set out to clean houses once the water receded. They have to be cautious of electrocution.

Mental health

Mental health has to be taken care of. For any assistance related to mental care, people can contact Disha. Contact number: 104, 1056, 0471 2552056