Floods in Kerala: Kerala: After leptospirosis, it is now dengue fever | Kochi News

KOCHI: Even though the health department is trying to curb the spread of leptospirosis, the state is now facing a new health threat in the form of dengue fever. Health Minister KK Shailaja said an alert had been issued against dengue fever as a result of the increased number of cases reported in the state. The threat of mosquitoes has increased in Kerala due to stagnant water after the floods.

On Wednesday, 64 confirmed cases and 112 suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported. One leptospirosis death was confirmed in Thiruvananthapuram and one presumed death in Pathanamthitta. In addition, 39 suspected cases and 11 confirmed dengue cases were reported on Wednesday, compared with 150 suspected cases and 47 confirmed cases in August. There was one death due to dengue in August.

Shailaja said that there was no increase in leptospirosis deaths. The number of leptospirosis cases increased one week after the floods. "Since the floods in August, there have been 45 suspected deaths from leptospirosis and 13 confirmed deaths. Wednesday, there was a death. In addition, from January to July, 85 people died from leptospirosis and 43 deaths were caused by leptospirosis, "she said.

The state government is seeking the assistance of CIMR and other agencies to conduct a study on contagious diseases following floods. She said that despite floods, the health department has been successful in curbing the spread of leptospirosis. Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd., which distributes all essential drugs – including doxycycline – has so far distributed 75.33 lakh tablets and we are ensuring that there is no shortage of drugs, she added.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Government Medical Association (KGMOA) has called on the government to step in and put an end to the non-scientific methods of prevention that may prove fatal. KGMOA has also sought to act against quacks. After the floods, the Department of Health issued alerts on outbreaks of communicable diseases.

"We had asked people – who had been in contact with the floodwaters – to take doxycycline 200. However, most of them – involved in relief and relief operations – ignored the advice "

He alleged that many ineffective drugs are being distributed to people affected by the floods through some government agencies and after consuming the same product, people have the misconception that they are now immune to leptospirosis.

"Now they refuse to take doxycycline and many of these people have been tested positive for leptospirosis. This is a major crisis and we must also handle the false information disseminated by the charlatans, "the statement added.