Ernakulam records five leptospirosis deaths in early July; prevention plan launched
Ernakulam district has reported five deaths due to leptospirosis in the first 13 days of July, the highest among all districts in Kerala. The deceased were from Kalamassery, Kuttampuzha, Kadayiruppu, Pattimattom, and Udyogamandal.
The district continues to report a high number of infectious disease cases this month. As of July 13, Ernakulam recorded 392 influenza cases, 536 suspected and 252 confirmed dengue cases, and five suspected and 19 confirmed leptospirosis cases. Other districts reporting leptospirosis deaths include Palakkad, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kottayam, each with one death.
Dengue cases have been reported across multiple areas in Ernakulam, including Aluva, Cheranalloor, Edappally, Edathala, Kadavanthra, Kalamassery, Kaloor, Kothamangalam, Nedumbassery, Parakkadavu, Perumbavoor, Piravom, Eroor, Thrikkakara, and Thripunithura.
A district health official stated that a week ago, an epidemic prevention action plan called 'Arogyabheri' was launched in response to the rising number of communicable diseases. 'Diseases are on the rise, and we need effective intervention from all quarters. The epidemic prevention action plan has been launched, and its activities are under way. Once implemented across local self-government bodies, we expect a perceptible decline in the number of cases,' the official said.
The death reported in Kalamassery was that of an 18-year-old migrant worker from Assam. Kalamassery municipality health standing committee chairperson Anju Manoj Mani said the municipality had distributed preventive medicines following the death. 'Medicines have been distributed as a precautionary measure. We are planning to raise awareness among migrant workers about the need to seek medical attention at the earliest if they develop symptoms such as fever,' Ms. Anju added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through contact with water contaminated by animal urine. Symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. Early treatment with antibiotics is critical. Health authorities advise avoiding contact with stagnant water and wearing protective footwear in flood-prone areas.
