Govt declares Leptospirosis epidemic in Mumbai

The outbreak of the epidemic has also been declared in Kalyan-Dombivali.

The Maharashtra government on Thursday declared outbreak of an epidemic of suspected Leptospirosis in Mumbai and the Kalyan-Dombivali municipal areas.

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Public Health Minister Vimaltai Mundada said that as the city was flooded after July 26 torrential rains, there has been a high incidence of Leptospirosis cases in the two municipal areas.

		Facts about Leptospirosis   What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis [lep-to-spy-RO-sis] is a potentially serious bacterial illness, the same 'type' of bacterium which causes Syphilis and Lyme Disease. How it is caused: The bacteria occurs in many serovars or strains, each occurring in a variety of domestic animals and wildlife.      Mode of transmission: By contact with fresh water, wet soil, or vegetation that has been contaminated by the urine of infected animals.     Treatment: Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics like Doxycycline. Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Severely ill persons might need intravenous antibiotic treatment and other supportive care.     Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, nausea and vomiting, eye inflammation, and muscle aches.     Diagnostic tests: A blood test helps. Special tests include the MSAT or Macroscopic Slide Agglutination Test.   Is Leptospirosis preventable?   Doctors say it's preventable. Personal hygiene and sanitation are important. Exposed wounds should be washed with antiseptic. Wading in muddy water should be avoided.

"There are 37 deaths in Mumbai and 29 in Thane district, all due to fever suspected of Leptospirosis," she said.

"Its almost 15 days since the flooding took place and the next four to five days will be crucial as Leptospirosis has an incubation period ranging between four days to 21 days," the Health Minister said,

She said the Mumbai civic body has decided to issue a formal notification of outbreak of an epidemic today and the Kalyan-Dombivali civic body will follow suit.

Leptospirosis spreads when a person with wounds on his lower limbs comes in contact with contaminated water. The disease is curable with after a prescribed dose of antibiotics like Doxycycline, the minister said.

With an epidemic having been declared under the Epidemic Act, not only will the Government machinery divert efforts to fight the disease, but also it will be obligatory on private nursing homes to treat patients with `any fever of suspected index of Leptospirosis' and notify it to the Government, the minister said.