Kerala Floods: High alert against rat fever

Thiruvananthapuram: Health department on Saturday observed doxycycline day to counter the spread of rat fever (Leptospirosis). Doxycyc-line tablets were distributed free at primary, community health centres and specially installed kiosks at Thampanoor bus stand.

Health minister K.K. Shailaja who inaugurated the campaign said sufficient stock of doxycycline tablets is being sent to flood-affected areas prone to rat fever.  All those who came into contact with flood waters should take doxycycline tablets which will prevent rat fever related deaths.

Rat fever is one of the biggest health problems that emerge during floods and that calls for more alertness.  During last year’s flood extensive steps were taken to prevent leptospirosis. Over 1cr tablets of doxycycline were distributed across the state.

However, a section of people showed reluctance to have doxycyline which resulted in rat fever deaths in some places in 2018. But there is more awareness now and people are demanding doxycycline.

Doctors said the people need to be cautious about infectious diseases. The contaminated water sources, caracass of animials, cattle all contributed to the spread of disease during and in post flood situation. The people coming into touch with contaminatd wter have a high chance of contracting Rat Fever.

All persons residing in flood affected areas, volunteers carrying out relief and rescue activities need to take doxycycline. Fever, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, redness of eyes are some of the common symptoms associated with rat fever. In the event of developing these symptoms one must seek immediate medical treatment.

Health department is also taking extra precaution to prevent the spread of H1N1 and  dengue . The private hospitals have been directed to adhere to treatment protocol. Adequate stock of medicines is available in hospitals and sufficient quantity of medicines is being sent to hospitals.

The volunteers who left for various parts of the state from Thiruvananth-apuram to take part in rescue and relief operations were given doxycycline on Saturday. Doxycycline tablets are being distributed through government hospitals, family health centers , sub centres, DMO office and other health institutions. People can call health department’s  toll free number 1056 for any query or doubts regarding the disease.