15-year-old succumbs to leptospirosis

Mumbai: A 15-year-old boy is suspected to have succumbed to leptospirosis on Monday. If confirmed by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s epidemiology department, the teenager would be the first victim of the water-borne disease in the city this year.

The leptospirosis bacteria is found in the urine or excreta of infected animals such as rats, cattle and dogs. The infection spreads mainly during the monsoon, when human come into contact with contaminated water, especially if they have cuts or abrasions on their skin.

The victim, who has been identified as Bharat Ramesh Kale, was a resident of Kurla. He was admitted on Sunday evening to the civic- run Sion hospital in an acute febrile condition with body ache and vomiting.

BMC executive health officer, Dr Padmaja Keskar said, “There is one death of suspected leptospirosis reported from Sion hospital. It will be confirmed after review of epidemiological investigation committee. Kale remained in hospital for a day. He had been admitted with fever and was found playing football in mud during the rains.”

Dr Om Shrivastav, an expert on infections, said, “People should be use preventive medicines depending upon their exposure levels and age. Those who have walked through flooded areas can go to the municipal hospitals or private clinics to get free doses of medicine.”

He also added, “People who have walked through flooded waters in these rainy season must immediately wash their feet with clean water and must visit a doctor if exposed for more than half an hour and avoid self medication.”

At least seven people died of leptospirosis in the city last year, and three in 2016.