THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The increasing number of leptospirosis cases in the district has emerged as a cause of concern. The district health administration said 358 cases of leptospirosis had been reported from the district in 2008. In the past two weeks alone, 28 cases had been reported from the Corporation areas, Vilappil, Malayinkeezh, Vellanad, Karakulam, Vamanapuram, Vattiyoorkavu and Vizhinjam panchayats.Leptospirosis is contracted usually by people who come into contact with water contaminated by rat excreta. The leptospira bacteria enters the human body through minor cuts and abrasions. Cleaning workers, manual labourers and farm workers are vulnerable to this disease.The district health officer said directives had been issued to panchayats that workers engaged for cleaning should be given doxycycline as a prophylaxis; the area where cleaning is to be done should be sprayed with bleaching powder 24 hours before workers are allowed to work; gloves and gum boots have to be worn compulsorily and all workers have to undergo medical examination before they start cleaning operations.The public has also been cautioned to seek immediate medical care in the event of fever accompanied by bodyache, headache and redness in the eye.
The Hindu, 17th January 2009
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