Alert against leptospirosis in Kozhikode
The Health department in Kozhikode has sought steps to avoid leptospirosis infection in the wake of waterlogging reported from various parts of the district following heavy rain.
According to health experts, leptospirosis is caused by the bacterium Leptospira, which is found in contaminated water or soil. It is spread through the urine of infected animals. A release said on Thursday that those staying in relief camps, volunteers engaged in relief work, those who may come in contact with muddy waters need to take doxycycline tablets as a preventive step.
They are available for free at all health centres and government hospitals. People with cuts or scratches may avoid venturing into muddy waters as the infection-causing bacteria could enter their body through them.
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The Hindu
29-05-2025
- The Hindu
Alert against leptospirosis in Kozhikode
The Health department in Kozhikode has sought steps to avoid leptospirosis infection in the wake of waterlogging reported from various parts of the district following heavy rain. According to health experts, leptospirosis is caused by the bacterium Leptospira, which is found in contaminated water or soil. It is spread through the urine of infected animals. A release said on Thursday that those staying in relief camps, volunteers engaged in relief work, those who may come in contact with muddy waters need to take doxycycline tablets as a preventive step. They are available for free at all health centres and government hospitals. People with cuts or scratches may avoid venturing into muddy waters as the infection-causing bacteria could enter their body through them.
The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- The Advertiser
What lies beneath - sludgy waters increase the threat of the 'Mud Bug'
As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance. As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance. As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance. As floodwaters begin to recede across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, health experts are warning of a potential threat that may be less visible but no less dangerous. The deadly soil-borne disease, melioidosis, also known as the Mud Bug, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has claimed dozens of lives in northern Queensland this year alone, with over 220 cases and 31 deaths reported to date. Now, experts fear the disease could pose a risk further south, including parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, where heavy rainfall and widespread inundation have created ideal conditions for the bacterium to surface. While there are currently no confirmed cases of melioidosis in the Macleay Valley, public awareness is key to early detection and treatment. Melioidosis is often referred to as "the great mimicker" because of its wide range of symptoms. Infections can appear as pneumonia, fever, sepsis, or non-healing skin ulcers, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The bacterium lives naturally in tropical soil and surface water, lying dormant in dry conditions but becoming active with heavy rainfall and flooding. Humans typically contract it through skin abrasions, inhalation of contaminated dust or water, or ingestion of untreated water. Symptoms may appear between 1-21 days after exposure, but in some cases, infection can emerge years later. Historically, melioidosis has been confined to tropical regions north of Rockhampton. However, as climate change brings warmer and wetter conditions further south, there is growing concern that B. pseudomallei could become established in new areas, including northern NSW. Researchers are tracking the organism's suspected spread, along with the spread of other pathogens such as Leptospira. At least one confirmed case of another pathogen, Leptospirosis, emerged during the clean-up of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is spread through contaminated animal urine. With Kempsey and surrounding areas experiencing extensive flooding in recent weeks, the environmental conditions are now alarmingly similar to those seen in northern Queensland during their outbreak earlier this year. This raises the possibility that locals, especially those involved in flood clean-up efforts, could be at risk of exposure. Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon of CSU is warning people to stay vigilant as we embark on a massive post-flood clean-up. Any cuts or abrasions, no matter how minor, should be tended to immediately. Dr Tout-Lyon explained it is not just flood waters that can be affected, and a handful of locals have reported contracting gastrointestinal viruses and intense wound infections from activities such as ocean swimming and surfing. According to infectious disease specialists, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or those who consume alcohol heavily, are at higher risk of developing severe melioidosis. However, healthy individuals are not immune. Local health authorities are urging residents to take the following precautions: Avoid direct contact with muddy or flood-affected soil and water, especially if you have cuts, abrasions, or open wounds. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing when cleaning up flood-affected properties. Do not use high-pressure hoses that may aerosolise contaminated water or soil. Cover and properly treat all wounds, no matter how minor. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or unexplained sores after potential exposure. As the community rallies to recover from the physical and economic damage wrought by the May floods, residents must remain alert to the quieter, but potentially lethal, risks posed by the post-flood environment. With climate patterns shifting and infectious diseases like melioidosis moving into new territories, the Macleay's best weapon is informed vigilance.
NDTV
22-04-2025
- NDTV
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira species, commonly found in water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. It's a disease that thrives in warm, tropical climates and often spikes during monsoon season due to water-logging and poor sanitation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans) and can lead to severe complications if not diagnosed and treated early. While it can affect anyone, those exposed to floodwaters, sewage, or animal waste are at a higher risk. Timely awareness can prevent the disease from turning fatal. Symptoms of leptospirosis Often mistaken for viral flu, leptospirosis presents with symptoms like fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that if left untreated, it can progress to kidney or liver failure, meningitis, or even death. Knowing the causes and symptoms can help in early detection and recovery, especially in high-risk regions during rainy months. Here are the key symptoms of leptospirosis. 1. Sudden onset of fever and chills Early symptoms often mimic the flu, fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches, particularly in the calves and lower back. The fever may last for several days. 2. Red eyes and skin rashes Conjunctival redness without discharge and skin rashes are common signs. Some patients may also experience photophobia (sensitivity to light). 3. Jaundice and liver complications Yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur in more severe cases, a sign that the liver is affected. This condition is known as Weil's disease. 4. Kidney dysfunction Leptospirosis can lead to acute kidney injury. Symptoms include reduced urine output, swelling, fatigue, and vomiting, requiring immediate medical attention. 5. Vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain Gastrointestinal symptoms are common and often lead to misdiagnosis. Persistent nausea or stomach pain should not be ignored if you've been exposed to contaminated water. 6. Respiratory issues In severe cases, patients may experience chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. Internal bleeding into the lungs can also occur, which is life-threatening. 7. Risk factors include contaminated water exposure People wading through floodwaters, cleaning clogged drains, or working in agricultural fields are most at risk. Even swimming in untreated water bodies can lead to infection. 8. Transmission from pets and livestock Apart from rodents, infected dogs, cattle, and pigs can also transmit the bacteria. Vets, farmers, and pet owners should stay vigilant and use protective measures. 9. Diagnosed via blood or urine tests Leptospirosis is usually confirmed through serological tests like the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), PCR, or ELISA, especially during the first few days of infection. 10. Treated with antibiotics According to the WHO, early treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline or penicillin can shorten the illness and prevent complications. Hospitalisation may be required for severe cases. 11. Prevention through hygiene and vaccination Preventive measures include avoiding stagnant water, wearing protective gear, and vaccinating pets and livestock in high-risk areas. WHO also encourages rodent control and proper waste management. Leptospirosis may be underreported, but its consequences can be serious without timely treatment. With growing monsoon-related flooding in urban India, awareness of this disease is crucial. Following proper hygiene, avoiding exposure to potentially contaminated water, and seeking early medical help are the best ways to stay safe. As always, prevention is better and safer than cure. 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.
