Five persons have succumbed to leptospirosis in Ernakulam over the past three weeks.
The district has recorded over 65 suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis since June 1, according to official estimates.
Those who died of the disease during this period included a 35-year-old man from Varapuzha, a 51-year-old man from Edathala, a 27-year-old woman from Maradu, a 71-year-old man from Palachuvadu, and a 50-year-old woman from Thripunithura. In May, a 60-year-old man from Kanjiramattom had also died of leptospirosis.
Between June 1 and June 24, confirmed and suspected cases were mostly reported from Avoly, Edakochi, Nettoor, Muvattupuzha, Vengola, Piravom, Mattancherry, Vazhakulam, Edathala, Maradu, Kodanad, Perumbavoor, Chalikavattom, Puthuvype, Varapuzha, Kalamassery, Chittattukara, Angamaly, Palachuvadu, Asamannoor, Nedumbassery, Koonamavu, Choornikkara, Fort Kochi, Ramamangalam, Manjapra, and Thripunithura.
The spike in cases has been reported following the onset of the monsoon. The disease is caused by bacteria found in the urine of animals such as rats, cattle, and dogs. The bacteria can infect humans by entering the body through tiny cracks and wounds in the soles of the feet.
The bacteria enter the human body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through contact with contaminated water and soil. Symptoms include fever accompanied by fatigue, severe headache, and muscle pain.
The district health authorities have urged people to avoid working in muddy water if they have open wounds. Those rearing cattle or engaged in agricultural work have been advised to exercise caution, as the risk of infection from the urine and droppings of animals carrying the bacteria in stagnant water is high.
They should wear boots to protect their feet from exposure to infection and use gloves as a precautionary measure. Those with wounds on their hands or feet should refrain from work and return only after the wounds have healed, according to the health authorities.