Fifty in a fortnight: Death toll rises due to Kerala communicable diseases
Fifty people died in Kerala due to communicable diseases. This death toll value needed just a fortnight to rise after the heavy rains and flooding. Six of these deaths are confirmed cases of leptospirosis. The other thirty-four are suspected cases of leptospirosis. Nine people died of fever. The one remaining person died of dengue.
The number of confirmed leptospirosis cases in the state have been increasing at an alarming rate. The values have now touched 159 since 15th August. The total number of confirmed dengue cases is 104. For malaria, the number is 50. The Directorate of health services has issued this value for the communicable diseases.
DHS Director In-Charge, Dr Raju VR has said,” Though the situation is not alarming, what has us worried is that within three to four days, a leptospirosis patient’s condition worsens, affecting the lungs that causes haemorrhage.”
Health experts are suspecting that this could be a strain varying or total bacterial load increasing or changes in serological type.
The heavy rains and floods have already claimed over 370 lives. Over one million people have been displaced in Kerala. Under such conditions, the state had to come up with a 30-day action plan to battle the communicable diseases. However, their efforts have not borne fruit as the number of water and vector-borne diseases have steadily increased since 29th August.
Now, the health department is asking anyone who has been to a flood affected area to take a dosage of doxycycline for prophylaxis against leptospiral infection and leptospirosis. Dr Raju added,”Even if you have mild fever or body pain, you should immediately contact a doctor.”
First there were the floods in Kerala. Now, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are also affected. Moreover, even though the floods have been contained in Kerala, the communicable diseases are ravaging the state. We hope to see an end to the suffering of the people.
