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Monsoon Brings Fever Season to India
Context:
This monsoon season has seen a significant increase in diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, malaria, and various viral fevers wreaking havoc across numerous parts of India.
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- Additionally, there have been reports of West Nile virus and avian flu cases.
- Leptospirosis and brucellosis infections are also expected to peak in 2024.
Key Highlights
- In Gujarat, the Chandipura virus has already claimed about 15 lives in the past several days.
- In Kerala, there has been a marked rise in dengue and leptospirosis cases.
- Neighbouring Karnataka has reported more than 10,000 cases of dengue, including eight fatalities, this year.
- Industry insiders have noted a significant increase in influenza cases in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, with more than 1,000 swine flu cases documented in Rajasthan alone.
Early Detection Advantage:
- Medical professionals note that Kerala has an advantage due to its highly qualified medical professionals and well-equipped medical infrastructure, which facilitates quicker identification of communicable diseases.
- The major catalysts of the spreading of these diseases in Kerala are:
- People are living in congested areas with a higher population density. There is little rural and urban divide.
- In addition, a lot of travelling happens in and out of the state, whether through inter-state migrants or non-resident Indians from abroad.
- Migrant labourers are more likely not to follow health directives during fever due to their living conditions.
About Leptospirosis
- It is caused by the bacteria Leptospira found in contaminated water or soil.
- It affects both people and animals.
- It’s spread in the urine (pee) of infected animals.
- Risk increases after a flood or heavy rain.
- Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and rash.
- Without treatment, can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, breathing problems, and death.
- Treatment and Recovery:
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- Treated with antibiotics like doxycycline or penicillin.
- Severe cases may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- Early treatment helps prevent severe illness and reduces the duration of the sickness.
- Prevent infection by avoiding contact with contaminated water or animals, and wearing protective gear.