Ernakulam sees spike in leptospirosis cases

Twenty-nine cases confirmed in October; six suspected deaths due to the disease

The number of confirmed leptospirosis cases in Ernakulam district has gone up in October compared to figures in September.

Eighteen cases were confirmed in September, while the number of suspected cases was 51. The number of confirmed cases was 29 as on October 26. Forty-eight suspected cases were also reported in the district from October 1 to 26, according to official estimates. The number of deaths due to suspected leptospirosis went up from five in September to six this month. Ernakulam has witnessed 304 suspected cases since January this year. The number of confirmed cases is 133.

District Medical Officer N.K. Kuttappan said the cases would go up once the rains were over. People in rain-affected areas and those engaged in relief and cleaning work should take doxycycline tablets on the advice of health workers, he added.