Now, leptospirosis a cause for concern

Cases reported from all districts, health advisories not heeded to

Leptospirosis cases and deaths have spiralled up in all districts in the aftermath of heavy rain and flooding. Even though the Health Department has launched an awareness drive on the efficacy of doxycycline prophylaxis, the health advisories seem to be falling on deaf ears.

In a health system preoccupied with COVID-19, the increasing number of deaths due to communicable diseases are not getting adequate attention, many health officials say.

“Patients and even doctors seem to be discounting the possibility that a patient presenting with fever and myalgia these days could be having a disease other than COVID such as dengue and leptospirosis. People go back home relieved that they tested negative for COVID, but in less than a week, their condition worsens,” says an official.