Karnataka Health Minister urges action after death, illnesses in Vijayanagar amid leptospirosis outbreak

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 23 : Following the death of one person and several villagers suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting in Vijayanagar, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed officials from the municipality, health department, and village panchayat to address sanitation issues in areas where economically disadvantaged people reside.
Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, "One person has died, according to official information. Therefore, I urge the people and officials from the municipality, health department, and village panchayat to focus on areas where poor people live and where cleanliness is crucial."
He noted that cases of leptospirosis might have risen due to the unhygienic conditions in the village.
He further explained, "As per the information received, there are four houses in particular where cleanliness has not been maintained. No hygiene protocols were followed, and animals were present, according to the Zilla Panchayat CEO and officials. This could have contributed to the increase in leptospirosis cases."
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that enter the body through the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth, especially when the skin is broken. Drinking contaminated water can also lead to infection.
Outbreaks of leptospirosis are typically caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters.
This disease, predominantly found in tropical climates, affects both humans and animals. Humans become infected when they come into direct contact with the urine of infected animals. Early symptoms of the disease include high fever, muscle pain, headache, eye redness, vomiting, and diarrhoea, among others.