The intense heat and rain in some places have increased the risk of infectious diseases in the country. According to recent reports, cases of leptospira infection are increasing in about 11 states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan these days. This infection can be fatal in humans. Given the increasing risk of infection, the central government has issued an alert to the states and appealed to continue taking preventive measures.
According to media reports, the central government has written a letter saying that people in the affected states need to take special precautions. Health teams should also be cautious while visiting these areas. The bacteria that cause leptospirosis infection can be present mainly in water or soil. All states should also ensure effective drainage arrangements so that the risks of infection through contaminated water can be reduced.
What is leptospirosis infection?
Leptospirosis is a type of infectious disease caused by an infection of bacteria called Leptospira. You can get infected with Leptospira through a scratch or cut on the skin or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it is transmitted between animals and humans.
These bacteria are found more in waterlogged places during the rainy season. You can also become a victim of it by coming in direct contact with the urine or reproductive fluid of infected animals or by coming in contact with contaminated water soil, contaminated food, or water.
The disease can prove to be fatal
According to a report published in a newspaper, Dr. Rajiv Jayadevan of the Kerala unit of the Indian Medical Association says, 10 percent of people infected with leptospirosis die. Therefore, it is important for people who are showing symptoms of infection to consult a doctor in time and get treatment. In case the disease is not identified on time, the risk of the disease taking a serious form and becoming fatal can also be high.
People with severe infections are also at higher risk of kidney-liver infection.
Pay serious attention to such symptoms
In the case of leptospirosis infection, patients initially show flu-like symptoms, however, in severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage. In the initial stage of infection, problems like high fever, eye infection-redness, headache, chills, muscle pain, diarrhea, and jaundice occur. In severe cases, there may be symptoms of internal bleeding such as coughing up blood (hemoptysis), chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and blood in urine.
People with weak immunity are more at risk of this infectious disease.
How to stay safe from infection?
People who are diagnosed with this infectious disease are given antibiotics for treatment. In case of severe leptospirosis infection, hospitalization may also be required.
To avoid the risks of infection, it is most important that you avoid coming in contact with contaminated water. Also, keep a distance from contact with animals. Use clean water for drinking or boil the water and drink it after cooling it. If you have any wound on your body, take proper care of them. The central government has said in a letter to the states that the health workers working in the affected areas should also take special care of their health.
(PC: Istock)
