Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Health
Why in news?
Recently, Jamaica had reports deadly leptospirosis outbreak after Hurricane Melissa.
Leptospirosis – It is a zoonotic disease, caused by the bacteria Leptospira.
It is one of the neglected tropical disease.
Geography –Common in tropical/warm climates with heavy rainfall (South/Southeast Asia, Oceania, Caribbean, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa).
Transmission –It spread through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, such as rodents.
The infection can enter the human body through cuts in the skin or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
Symptoms –While initial symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, can progress to a severe and potentially fatal form affecting the kidneys, liver, and brain, etc.
High risk groups –Anyone coming into contact with floodwaters could be at risk, including agricultural workers, urban poor, persons engaged in cleanup activities, and flood-affected populations.
Diagnosis –Blood or urine tests, may use a chest X-ray, CT scan or other imaging.
Treatment– Moderate forms can use antibiotics may be recommended like Doxycycline, amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin-G, etc.
For severe cases, Hospitalization, IV antibiotics, mechanical ventilation (if lungs affected), plasmapheresis (to reduce organ damage).
Prevention –
Avoid swimming/wading in floodwaters or contaminated lakes/rivers.
Wear protective clothing/shoes when working with animals or contaminated environments.
Drink only treated/boiled water.
Cover open wounds with waterproof dressings.
Use gloves when handling dead animals.
Annual impact –More than 1 million infections worldwide, causing about 60,000 deaths each year.
As per National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in India, it is endemic in coastal & flood-prone states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra).
