Leptospirosis Virus Claims Mumbai Teenager's Life! | HiCare
We frequently discuss the most spread diseases and illnesses in India, and how to prevent them. During the monsoons, we talked about ways to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito-borne infections. However, there appears to be another major concern that is harmful. In the city of Mumbai, particularly, Leptospirosis is a concern. A Mumbai youngster became the first victim of the current Leptospirosis outbreak in 2019.
After a few days in the hospital, he passed away. The slum dweller from Kandivali was barely 16 years old when he died of the illness. He was in a state of multi-organ failure. Later his health worsened, and he was placed on a ventilator before passing away. This has become a major concern. Let’s take a look at this disease in detail to stay safe.
What is Leptospirosis?
This sickness is caused by the Leptospira bacterium. The illness is carried by both wild and domestic animals. The bacterium Leptospira is transmitted to humans through the urine of infected animals. This might include coming into direct touch with the animal's pee or even coming into contact with urine-containing water or dirt. Rodents are the primary carriers of the Leptospira bacterium. In a nutshell, rats are spreading this illness!
Leptospirosis is usually unpleasant but not life-threatening, similar to flu. It usually lasts a week. When you have a severe form of leptospirosis, roughly 10% of the time you'll get well, and then become sick again. Weil's illness is the name for this condition, and it can lead to far more serious problems, including chest discomfort and swelling limbs and legs. It frequently requires hospitalization.
What causes this disease?
A bacteria called Leptospira causes leptospirosis. Many animals carry the bacteria, which resides in their kidneys. Through their urine, it ends up in the soil and water.
The germ can enter your body through holes in your skin, such as scrapes, open wounds, or dry patches. Not just that but if you're near soil or water where an infected animal has peed, also has chances of transmission. It can get into your body through your mouth, nose, or genitals. It's difficult to contract it from another person, yet it can be transmitted through intercourse or nursing.
These are the most common causes of leptospirosis. Among humans, leptin illness is more common in lower-income groups who live in the open or wet/mushy locations. A typical city inhabitant contracting leptospirosis in an apartment is unlikely. Similarly, the Kandivali victim was a slum resident. The presence of rat illnesses in slums is relatively common.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Don't be the next person to contact one of these rat illnesses. Let's look at the symptoms of leptospirosis in people. If you get medical help as soon as you see these leptospirosis symptoms, you will survive. It's quite simple to confuse Leptospirosis with another condition. Malaria, dengue fever, enteric fever, rickettsiosis, and other infections are frequently misdiagnosed as leptospirosis. The signs of this rat sickness are very similar to those of these disorders. Symptoms of leptospirosis in humans include:
- High fever
- Headache and body aches
- Bleeding
- Muscle pain
- Shivering
- Red eyes
- Vomiting
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor. The doctor will do a leptospira test and advise rodent control on the necessary medications. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as the flu and meningitis, so being checked is crucial. Leptospirosis symptoms normally appear within two weeks, however, they may take up to a month or not appear at all in certain cases.
Always be alert to your surroundings, particularly when traveling. Leptospirosis is more frequent and difficult to avoid in areas with poor sanitation. Recognize the signs and get medical attention if you become unwell.
Types of Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is divided into two categories-
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Mild leptospirosis is the most common kind of leptospirosis, accounting for 90% of cases. Muscle soreness, chills, and even a headache are some of the symptoms.
Severe leptospirosis can develop in between 5% and 15% of patients. If the bacteria affects the liver, kidneys, or other important organs, it can cause organ failure, internal hemorrhaging, and death.
Other suggestions to keep in mind-
Additional ways to avoid contracting leptospirosis include:
- Washing hands with soap and water after handling animals and animal products, especially rodents.
- Avoid touching deceased animals with bare hands.
- All wounds should be cleaned as quickly as possible and covered with waterproof coverings.
- If necessary, use protective clothes during work.
- Unless it has been boiled or chemically treated, avoid drinking water from rivers and lakes.
- Verifying that dogs have had a leptospirosis vaccine before coming in contact with them.
According to the CDC, antibiotics, such as penicillin and doxycycline, can be used to treat leptospirosis. For fever and muscular ache, your doctor may prescribe another. The illness should clear up in approximately a week.
If your infection is serious, you may need to go to the hospital. Kidney failure, meningitis, and lung issues are all possible symptoms. Antibiotics may need to be injected into your body, and in severe situations, the infection may cause organ damage. Chemical pest control is the best solution to any kind of unhygienic pest problem.
Aside from that, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you're at home, drink additional fluids. If you're concerned about any moist or unsanitary places in or around your home, speak with a pest control service . From this blog, we hope you learned about leptospirosis causes and its prevention. HiCare is a pest management company that specializes in mosquito pest control . They protect you and your family from the infections spread by rats. Now is the time to contact them!