Leptospirosis Outbreak in Kerala | 29 Aug 2024

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Kerala has recently experienced a sigh of relief as the threat of a Nipah virus outbreak diminished, with no new cases reported during the critical 42-day observation period.

• However, this respite has been overshadowed by the outbreak of Leptospirosis, commonly known as "rat fever."
• This bacterial infection has emerged as a pressing public health concern, particularly in the wake of monsoon-related challenges.

What are the Key Facts About Leptospirosis?

• About: Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. These bacteria are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.
  • Leptospires are bacteria that can be pathogenic. Pathogenic leptospires are found in the kidneys and genital tracts of certain animals and are the primary cause of leptospirosis in humans.
• Reservoirs: Many mammalian species can harbour leptospires in their kidneys, with rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs being common reservoirs.
  • Rodents are particularly significant as they can excrete leptospires throughout their lifespan without showing symptoms.
  • Not all infected animals exhibit symptoms. Natural hosts often show no or few ill effects, but may develop illness after infection with another serovar (a distinct variation within a species of bacteria).
• Transmission: The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with their urine.
  • It can enter the human body through cuts, mucous membranes, or waterlogged skin. Rarely, the disease can be transmitted from human to human.
• Symptoms: It presents with a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe conditions like Weil's syndrome (dysfunction of the kidneys and liver), meningitis, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
  • The incubation period is typically 7-10 days, with symptoms such as fever, headache, and jaundice being common.
  • Leptospirosis is often underdiagnosed due to its wide range of symptoms that mimic other diseases, and limited access to diagnostic tests.
• Epidemiology: It is a global disease but is most common in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall.
  • It is particularly prevalent in South-East Asia, with India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka reporting most cases, especially during the rainy season.
  • People in occupations with frequent animal contact, such as farmers, veterinarians, and sewer workers, are at higher risk.
• Prevention: Prevention involves controlling animal reservoirs, avoiding contact with contaminated water or soil, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining good sanitation practices.
  • Dogs, pigs, and cattle can be vaccinated with serovar-specific vaccines. Immunisation helps prevent disease but may not eliminate renal carriage.
• Treatment: It is treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin G, doxycycline, and ceftriaxone.