Monsoon rain triggers rat fever concerns: Doctor explains precautions, symptoms, medicines to take

Health authorities in Kerala's Kozhikode have issued a high alert against leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, following persistent rainfall and subsequent waterlogging across the district. District Medical Officer Dr LT Saritha Kumari has urged the public to stay vigilant and adopt strict preventive measures to curb the spread of the infection. The information provided here is advisory in nature and should not be considered medical advice; medicines should be taken only after consulting your doctor.

What is leptospirosis?
A bacterial infection that is commonly known as Weil's disease or rat fever, leptospirosis spreads from animals to humans through water or soil contaminated with infected urine. 

What medicine to take?
Anyone who has come into contact with contaminated water, including sanitation workers, agricultural labourers, and those wading through waterlogged areas, must take the preventive antibiotic doxycycline after discussing it with their personal doctor. The health department said that these preventive tablets are being distributed free of charge at all government hospitals and primary health centres.

How the infection spreads
The leptospira bacteria typically enter the human body through minor cuts, wounds, or abrasions on the skin, especially on the hands and feet. Health officials have strongly advised individuals with open wounds or cracked skin to avoid entering waterlogged areas, muddy fields, or stagnant pools altogether. Extra caution is also advised for those bathing livestock in local canals, streams, and ponds.

Essential safety precautions
For individuals whose occupation requires contact with soil or water, using personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and boots is highly recommended. To prevent the multiplication of rodents, which are the primary carriers of the disease, residents must avoid dumping food waste in open public spaces or around residential areas. Proper waste management is critical to controlling the rat population.

Key symptoms to watch out for
The symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, and intense muscle pain, particularly in the calves. In more severe cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by signs of jaundice, such as the yellowing of the eyes and skin. Health officials emphasise that early detection is key to preventing severe complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and inform the treating doctor if you have had any exposure to waterlogging or dirty water in your daily routine.