THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the monsoon gathering momentum in the state, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has sounded a high-alert against the outbreak of leptospirosis (rat fever). According to DHS, as leptospirosis cases are reported from all districts, people should remain cautious and avail immediate medical attention once they have a fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, red eyes and certain symptoms associated with jaundice.
“Prevention is the key. The intriguing fact with leptospirosis is that rats are not the lone carriers. We must also remain alert against animals like dogs, swine and cattle, in addition to rodents like civet and squirrels. Their faeces and urine could also spread rat fever,” said a statement from DHS.
While calling the people to clean the drainage, ponds and canals to ward off the disease as it often spreads through water, the Health Department also warns that self-treatment will turn fatal if one shows hesitance in availing timely medical attention. If not treated in time, rat fever will affect the normal functioning of liver, kidney, lungs and heart and will ultimately result in death.