Kasaragod: Health dept issues alert on rising rat fever cases; precautions advised

Team Udayavani, Sep 25, 2024, 10:15 AM IST

Representative image (Credit: iStock)

Kasaragod: With rat fever cases being reported in some areas of the district, District Medical Officer Dr. A.V. Ramdas has urged residents to exercise caution.

Rat fever is a bacterial infection that is spread by infected rats and rodents and causes blood vessel inflammation. It can spread to humans, dogs, and other pets. According to Dr. Ramdas, common symptoms include headaches, joint pain in the legs, yellowing and redness in the eyes, and dark urine.

Things to Note:

Dr. Ramdas further emphasized that:

• If yellowing of the eyes occurs along with fever, rat fever is suspected.
• Avoid bathing or washing hands and feet in stagnant water to prevent infection.
• Construction workers, highway laborers, sanitation workers, and those in similar fields are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. They are advised to take preventive medication as directed by doctors.
• Doxycycline, the recommended medication, is available for free at government health centers.
• Food items should not be left exposed in public places, fruits should be thoroughly washed with clean water before consumption, and only hygienically prepared food should be eaten.
• Vendors are urged to keep packaged drinks, water bottles, and other consumables safe from rat contamination.
• Those working in high-risk areas who experience fever should promptly visit the nearest health center for treatment.

200 Workers’ Health Screening Conducted:

Due to the rise in rat fever cases in the district, a separate treatment facility has been set up at Neeleswaram Government Hospital. Only suspected rat fever patients will be admitted for five days of intensive care. Several highway construction workers in the district have shown symptoms of the disease.