Health experts create awareness on symptoms, precautions for rat fever

A bacterial disease, Leptospirosis can spread to humans through direct contact with urine from infected animals or through water, soil or food contaminated with their urine. “It can enter the human body through small cuts in the skin or through the eyes, nose, and mouth,” said Dr S Verkey, a General Practitioner.

Stressing on the symptoms, he said, “Though often asymptomatic, it can start with mild fever, lower limb pain, and redness of the eye. In case it is severe, individuals can suffer from high-grade fever with terrible pain of the lower limb. In such cases, it can also affect the kidneys and liver which can cause jaundice. It can result in episodes of vomiting, and diarrhoea.” He said that the incubation period of the bacteria is seven days. “It is 100 per cent curable if fever is treated quickly.”

While the state government has been, for years together focussing on the importance of hand washing and the right sanitation practices, Dr K Kolandaisamy, Director, Department of Public health said, “The public should continue to take matters of hand washing seriously. Not only should they indulge in frequent hand wash, but it is important that food hygiene also be taken into consideration. Also, drinking only boiled or chlorinated water is recommended.”

The doctor also stressed on the need for people to avoid walking bare feet on wet lands and paths with stagnated water. “People should also avoid walking barefoot on wet lands, stagnating water and water contaminated with animal urine. Besides, walking in sewage water should be avoided too,” he stated.

Stressing on rodent control, Dr Verkey added, “Rodent control is important. There are many institutions, organisations and residences where rodents and bandicoots continue to serve as a menace. At such a time when the disease has reached the state, it is more than important to get rid of the menace.”

It may be noted that the bacteria Leptospira (which causes the disease) grows in the kidneys of the animal and multiplies. “Thousands of bacteria are excreted in urine of the animals. It penetrates into the human body through pores in the foot. It is found in wet soil and water. Animals, especially rats, are the main carriers of the bacteria. The incidence peaks during rainy season and flooding,” said a researcher. Its symptoms include nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea and red eyes. “In case any of the symptoms are noticed, it is mandatory to visit a doctor and take the right treatment prescribed by the doctor and proceed with follow ups,” stated Dr Verkey.