Mumbai Rains Red Alert: Beware Of Leptospirosis, Follow These Prevention Tips
Leptospirosis is a recurrent issue during Mumbai rains. Dr. Tushar Shah, a Mumbai-based physician says, "Significant water logging due to multiple factors like drainage issues, high tides, construction sites, slums, soil scarcity etc. Plus rat infestations again due to multiple factors" are some of the reasons why leptospirosis cases surge during monsoon in Mumbai.
For the unversed, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which typically causes flu-like symptoms. Caused by the bacteria Leptospira, leptospirosis can infect both humans and animals.
About leptospirosis
Leptospirosis usually spreads through contaminated water or soil. Urine or body fluids of infected animals can easily contaminate water and soil, especially during heavy rainfall. Directly touching body fluids from an infected animal or eating food or drinking water contaminated by an infected animal can transmit the disease.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis typically causes flu-like symptoms; however, some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. "While, high fever and severe bodyache, especially calf pains and eye pain can be seen in mild cases, cough, deep yellow urine, breathing difficulty, vomiting are some of severe symptoms," Dr. Shah adds.
Common signs and symptoms include:
High fever
Abdominal pain
Headache
Muscle pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Chills
Jaundice
Rash
If left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.
In some cases, flu-like symptoms can worsen into Weil's syndrome, a life-threatening illness. These severe symptoms may start three to 10 days later. Some of these include blood in cough, chest pain, blood in pee, red spots on the skin, and a decrease in the amount of pee.
How to prevent leptospirosis
"Avoid walking in flooded areas, especially if there are skin-breaks in feet. Wear good footwear and pest control and rapid drainage remain the pillars of prevention," the expert recommends.
Additionally, he has advised that all individuals "who waded in flooded streets yesterday or today should take Doxycycline 100 mg two capsules at a time with 200 ml of water. If allergic to doxycycline or if pregnant or if less than 9 years age, take azithromycin 250 mg single dose after food" to prevent leptospirosis.
1. Avoid any contact with contaminated water
Stay away from water bodies, especially during heavy rains or floods, as they may be contaminated with animal urine.
2. Wear protectie gears
Wear rubber boots, gloves, and protect your skin from contact with potentially contaminated soil or water, especially if you work in agriculture or are involved in jobs that may expose you to contaminated water or soil.
3. Practice hand hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with soil or water. Also, ensure that any cuts or wounds are cleaned and covered.
4. Rodent control
Since rats and other rodents can carry leptospirosis, keep your nearby surroundings clean to avoid them. Store food in sealed containers and do not leave any item that can lead to a potential infection.
5. Safe drinking water
Drink only treated or boiled water, especially if living in areas prone to leptospirosis spread.
6. Spread awareness
Raise awareness about leptospirosis and its transmission among community members, especially in high-risk areas.
7. Vaccination for pets
Consult a veterinarian about vaccinating pets against leptospirosis, as they can also be carriers.
8. Do not ignore symptoms
After potential exposure, be vigilant about any symptoms that may arise within the next few weeks. Seek medical attention early if symptoms develop.
By following these prevention tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting leptospirosis, especially during the monsoon season when the risk is heightened.
(Dr. Tushar Shah is a Mumbai-based physician)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
10 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Cancer hospital celebrates first anniversary of BMT unit
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), Tata Memorial Centre, Visakhapatnam, celebrated the first anniversary of its Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit on Tuesday. The event brought together doctors, staff, patients, and families to commemorate the unit's milestones. Since its inception, the centre has completed 18 transplants—13 autologous and 5 allogenic—and recently introduced a TBI-based conditioning regimen, available in only a few centres in Andhra Pradesh. HBCHRC Director Umesh Mahantshetty said the BMT Unit has been a 'symbol of resilience and teamwork,' particularly in making advanced treatments accessible to underprivileged patients. He acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, TMC patient welfare funds, Indian Cancer Society, and local philanthropists. Future plans include introducing haploidentical transplantations and CAR-T cell therapy.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
NHRC directs Telangana Education dept. for report in student's death
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday directed Secretary (Education) Yogitha Rana for a comprehensive report concerning the death of a 16-year-old girl in Government Ashram High School for Girls in Wankidi, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, last year. The girl along with two other students were admitted to Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences with severe gastroenteritis symptoms, after they reportedly consumed food from their school. While the latter two were discharged, the girl in critical condition died while being treated on November 25. The NHRC, responding to Hyderabad-based advocate Rama Rao Immaneni's petition, opened an investigation and directed Ms. Yogitha Rana to submit the report within four weeks.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Customers may bear some cost of U.S. tariff rise, says Natco Pharma CEO
For Indian pharma industry, there is bound to be disruption initially in the event of the U.S. imposing tariff but over time the drugmakers will look to pass on some of the impact to the customers, a top executive of a well known company said. With the U.S. market accounting for a significant part of the portfolio, the industry, however, has to brace for it, Natco Pharma vice-chairman and CEO Rajeev Nannapaneni responded to queries on the impact, in the event of the levy, during an earnings call recently. who had earlier this year highlighted how it is important for drugmakers to get a front-end manufacturing foothold in the U.S. as a counter measure, said the company needs to readjust strategy based on the policy. U.S. is still the most important pharmaceutical market in the world, particularly for some products that account for around two-third of the business. 'You can't ignore 60-70% of the business and run your business,' he said, while pointing out at Natco Pharma's ongoing efforts to build a business outside U.S. The Hyderabad-based firm had recently announced it will be acquiring 36% stake in South African pharmaceutical company Adcock Ingram Holdings (AIHL) for $226 million (around ₹2,000 crore). Over time, the investment will contribute to a 'significant part of our base earnings'... I would believe South Africa will easily be about 15-25% of the base earnings. So we are diversifying away from the U.S. as well. It's not that we are not. But again, you can't ignore U.S. at the same time. So you have to play both the cards,' he said. To another query related on impact of tariffs, sought to explain how it would not be easy to pass through immediately considering the contracts and pricing. But, in the long run, 'we would like to pass it on to our customers because the margins that we work on most of our products are very low. So, there will be some little bit of disruption initially, but I think eventually we will figure out after a quarter.'
