Kerala Battles Leptospirosis: Over 3,200 Cases Reported

As of December 5, Kerala has reported a significant number of leptospirosis cases, with 3,259 confirmed infections and 209 related deaths recorded since the beginning of the year. The district of Thiruvananthapuram has been most affected, with 583 cases, followed by Ernakulam and Thrissur. The Union Health Minister highlighted that disease management falls under the purview of state governments.

In response to the endemic nature of leptospirosis, particularly during the monsoon season, the Health Ministry is implementing a national program across 12 endemic states and two Union territories. This initiative, the Programme for Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis, aims to reduce illness and fatalities through enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment.

Further efforts include training healthcare professionals, engaging private practitioners, and establishing surveillance sites nationwide. The ministry also provides technical and financial support to states under the National Health Mission to bolster their healthcare systems.