Deaths due to rat fever, people urged to stay vigilant in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) Following the 29 confirmed deaths and 30 suspected fatalities till May this year, people are being cautioned against rat fever, a serious disease that can progress rapidly during ongoing Monsoon rains in Kerala.
'Those who come into contact with soil or contaminated water must take Doxycycline tablets as prescribed by health workers. If anyone develops a fever after exposure to soil or contaminated water, it is absolutely essential to consult a doctor immediately,' Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said.
'Workers under the employment guarantee scheme, sanitation workers, volunteers, those engaged in planting and gardening, and children who play in the soil are at higher risk of contracting leptospirosis. They must take Doxycycline without fail,' the Minister advised.
Leptospirosis (rat fever) spreads when bacteria from the urine or excreta of infected animals—such as rats, bandicoots, cows, goats, or dogs—enter the human body through contaminated soil or water. The bacteria can enter through cuts or wounds on the skin, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Those exposed to soil or contaminated water should take 200 mg of Doxycycline (two 100 mg tablets) once a week, as advised by health workers.
'Doxycycline is available free of cost at all government hospitals. Seek medical attention immediately if early symptoms of leptospirosis are noticed.'
'Though leptospirosis is dangerous, it can be prevented, and lives can be saved with timely precautions,' she added.
UNI DS ARN
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
WHO praises Kerala's palliative care model as 'Exceptional and Inspiring'
Thiruvananthapuram, July 1 (UNI) The World Health Organization (WHO), in one of its publications, has described Kerala's palliative care model as exceptional and inspiring, drawing attention and admiration from around the world. 'While most countries provide palliative care mainly through institutional facilities, Kerala delivers compassionate, home-based care through a community-driven model,' Health Minister Veena George has said. 'Kerala has launched the Universal Palliative Care Project and the Kerala Care Palliative Grid, aiming to fulfill our promise of caring for our most vulnerable. This has created a strong, compassionate network of over 2,400 units and more than 10,000 volunteers, ensuring dedicated home-based care for over 1.5 lakh patients,' she added. The Universal Palliative Care Project marks a historic milestone for Kerala, which is the first state in India to recognize the need for a comprehensive policy on compassionate care. 'The state introduced its first palliative care policy in 2008, revised it in 2019, and transformed it into an actionable program in 2023. Today marks the official launch of initiatives based on that framework,' the minister explained. In the palliative care sector, over 1,500 organizations provide psychosocial support, and around 500 organizations offer clinical services in the private sector. Alongside this, the government ensures care through its 1,743 primary healthcare institutions, 345 community health centers, and major hospitals. Through the Universal Palliative Care Project, more voluntary organizations and individuals are joining this compassionate care network. Anyone interested can contribute by volunteering just one hour per week. Both individuals and organizations can register through their respective local self-governments to become part of this network. In the next phase, the project will ensure comprehensive home-based care for 1.5 lakh bedridden patients, implemented through People's Health Centers (Janakeeya Arogyakendram). UNI DS GNK 0802
United News of India
5 hours ago
- United News of India
INDIA bloc promises healthcare transformation in Bihar with Rajasthan blueprint
Patna, June 30 (UNI) Ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, the INDIA bloc today promised to transform the healthcare system in Bihar after forming the government. Veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot announced here that a Rajasthan-model healthcare system will be implemented in Bihar to achieve the goal. He said that Bihar's healthcare system has collapsed during the 20-year rule of Nitish Kumar. A recent CAG report has laid bare the extent of this failure. The medical staff shortage is critical. With 59,168 approved positions, only 23,851 are filled—a 60% vacancy rate. He claimed the problem is even worse for Ayush doctors (89% vacant), paramedical staff (79% vacant), and specialist doctors (up to 86% vacant). Gehlot said: 'An INDIA bloc government in Bihar will implement a Chiranjeevi scheme, mirroring Rajasthan's Congress government's initiative, providing up to Rs25 lakh in free medical treatment at both public and private hospitals for all income levels.' As Chief Minister of Rajasthan he had enacted the Right to Health Act in Rajasthan, guaranteeing free treatment for all emergencies. The move had significantly reduced out-of-pocket medical costs for ordinary citizens and explored making health insurance universally accessible and affordable. The Chiranjeevi Bima Yojana provided Rs10 lakh in health insurance and Rs5 lakh in accident insurance. It also covered medication costs for five days prior to and fifteen days after hospitalisation. This plan made Rs5 lakh in coverage accessible to all income levels, a first for the nation. He added: 'We also expanded healthcare by establishing medical colleges, increasing hospital capacity, and boosting the availability of doctors, vaccinations, and maternity services.' AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru also criticised the state's healthcare system, claiming the current government has reduced Bihar to a state of crisis. He stated that the people of Bihar are suffering immensely due to the severely deteriorated healthcare services. He further asserted that the government's mismanagement has pushed the state's healthcare system to a critical point, referencing a CAG report acknowledging the dire state of healthcare in Bihar. UNI XC SSP
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
A doctor's Facebook post creates political storm in Kerala: ‘State's health sector on ventilator'
A senior doctor at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram said in a Facebook post that three out of four surgeries at his department had to be postponed due to a lack of equipment, triggering a political controversy in Kerala. Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of Urology at the medical college, also said he has been knocking on the doors of authorities, including Kerala Health Minister Veena George, for several months regarding the issue. 'Patients are forced to buy surgical equipment. There is a thought in me about quitting the job,' he said in the post. The doctor went on to say that he was frustrated by the bureaucratic bottleneck that was delaying the supply of surgical equipments. He said that he was ready to face the consequences, even if it includes being sacked from government service, of 'speaking the truth'. The Congress targeted the CPI(M)-led Left Front government in the state regarding the issue, and said Kerala's health sector is on 'ventilator support'. Health Minister Veena George Saturday said the issue had never come before her or the Director of Medical Education. 'As per the report of the DME, of the four surgeries scheduled on Thursday, one was postponed due to some snag with a probe (a surgical equipment). This issue is neither before me nor the department,' she said. Director of Medical Education Dr K V Vishwanathan said an explanation will be sought from the doctor, and action will be taken against him if it is not satisfactory. Dr Haris stuck to his stand and got the backing of the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association. 'The truth should not be covered up. Many of my friends have joined private hospitals and become crorepatis. I have studied in a government medical college and I am working in the government sector with the intention of giving back to society,' the doctor told the media. Later, the minister said, 'I understand that Dr Haris is a genuine and hardworking doctor. He had specifically stated certain things. I have asked the DME to conduct a detailed probe into the issues he had raised.' Opposition leader V D Satheesan of the Congress said the state's health sector is on ventilator support. 'We have been repeatedly raising the issues Dr Haris pointed out. The true picture of the state's health sector is different from what is being projected by PR agencies. The issue is not limited to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Other medical colleges in the state are also facing shortage of equipment,' the Congress leader said.
