Thiruvananthapuram: The health department has sounded high alert across Kerala as 50 people died of rat fever (leptospirosis) in October. Dengue, viral fever, H1N1 and measles are also rapidly spreading in the state with the arrival of the northeast monsoon. According to official data, apart from rat fever deaths, the state recorded 67 deaths due to contagious diseases in October.
Rat fever or Leptospirosis, which is a rare bacterial infection, is contracted from animals. It is spread through their urine, especially of dogs, rodents, and farm animals. Hence, people who are working in water-logged conditions are advised to take necessary precautionary measures.
It is learnt that the number of people seeking medical care with symptoms of fever is increasing day by day. More than 20,000 people reportedly sought treatment in hospitals due to fever in October alone. Health experts opined that efforts must be taken to raise awareness against contagious diseases in the state.
Meanwhile, the health department has come under fire as the District Medical Officer post and Deputy District Medical Officer remain vacant in several districts.
