March 06, 2025

Two leptospirosis deaths in Ernakulam over past one month

The district reported a total of 35 suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis over the past four weeks

Two persons have succumbed to leptospirosis in Ernakulam since February 1, 2025.

Those who succumbed to the diseases include a 51-year-old female and a 28-year-old male of Veliyathunad near Aluva on March 3 and February 22 respectively. The district reported a total of 35 suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis over the past four weeks, according to the Department of Health.

The areas that had reported the cases over the last one month included Ayyampuzha, Kothamangalam, Cheruvattoor, Vennala, Mudakuzha, Keezhmad, Mazhuvannoor, Thammanam, Angamaly, Chowara, Veliyathunad, Puthuvype, Keechery, Kakkanad, Karumaloor, Kalamassery, Choornikkara, Ponnurunni, Ramamangalam, Vazhakulam, and Chambakara.

On deaths due to leptospirosis, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the research cell, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kerala, said that leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that has effective treatment as well as preventive measures.

“Unfortunately, since initial symptoms are just like any other viral illness, leptospirosis might always not be suspected at the outset. Agriculture workers, waste management staff, and people living in waterlogged areas are at high risk. If they develop fever and body pain, they should be treated immediately on suspicion, as early treatment can save lives,” he said. Dr. Jayadevan said people who were at risk could also take doxycycline in advance so that infection could be prevented. The medicine is available at primary health centres, he added.

Fever cases

According to official data, the district reported 11,190 fever cases between February 1 and March 4, 2025. An average of around 350 fever cases daily had been reported in this period. A daily average of nearly 10 suspected and confirmed dengue cases were also recorded over the past four weeks.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/two-leptospirosis-deaths-in-ernakulam-over-past-one-month/article69294809.ece

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