What Is Rat Fever? Understanding the Disease Behind Kerala's Latest Health Concern

Kerala has reported two deaths from leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, in Kannur district, alongside nine new infections across the state. The latest figures come amid a broader rise in monsoon-related diseases, with thousands seeking treatment for fever and health authorities stepping up surveillance and preventive measures.

What Is Leptospirosis and Why Does It Increase During the Monsoon?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. The disease is particularly associated with the monsoon season, when flooding and waterlogging increase the risk of exposure to contaminated water.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans can become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or environments contaminated by such urine. The bacteria enter the body through cuts and abrasions on the skin or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. Person-to-person transmission is rare.

On Monday, Kerala's health department reported two leptospirosis-related deaths in Kannur district and confirmed nine fresh cases across the state.

What Is the Current Disease Situation in Kerala?

The state's health department has also recorded other infectious diseases alongside leptospirosis. Twelve new dengue cases, eight malaria cases and six Shigella infections were reported on the same day.

A major concern for authorities is the continuing rise in fever cases. On Monday alone, 11,776 people sought treatment for fever at hospitals and health centres across Kerala.

Health officials are closely monitoring the disease situation and have urged people to take precautions against waterborne and vector-borne diseases, especially during the ongoing monsoon season, when conditions are favourable for the spread of infections.

How Is the State Responding?

Alongside disease surveillance, Kerala is continuing its public health outreach through the Pulse Polio Immunisation Drive. State Health Minister K Muralidharan said extensive arrangements have been made to ensure high coverage among eligible children.

"A total of 22,000 booths are created in Kerala. Distribution is going on, and all the officials are in the field. Today, most of the children will be given Pulse Polio."

The minister inaugurated the state-level launch of the immunisation programme at the Women and Children's Hospital in the Thycaud area of Thiruvananthapuram.

According to the minister, health officials have been deployed across the state to oversee the campaign and ensure the smooth distribution of polio drops at designated centres. The government hopes the widespread immunisation effort will help maintain Kerala's strong public health record even as it deals with seasonal disease outbreaks.

(With inputs from ANI)