Port Blair, July 11: Any case of fever in Leptospirosis endemic areas during monsoon and post-monsoon season should be treated with caution. Andaman Fever is caused by bacteria called Leptospira, primarily occurs in animals and occasionally infects humans. Humans get infection from contact with:
• Urine from infected animals- rats, dogs, livestock, pigs, and wildlife.
• Flood water, freshwater like rivers or streams, unsafe tap water, wet soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
Leptospires can gain entry into humans through cuts and abrasions in the skin, through intact mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes) and perhaps through waterlogged skin. They may occasionally enter the human body via the inhalation of droplets of urine or via drinking-water.
Who is at risk?
Workers engaged in occupations like fishing, farming, agriculture, veterinarians, sewer workers, survivors of natural disasters (e.g. flooding) and the increasing number of people engaging in recreational water sports, meat handlers etc.
Common Symptoms and Signs
Abrupt onset of fever (can be low or high grade), chills, red eyes, headache, body aches (Lower legs and Back) and jaundice.
Can be associated with symptoms of cough, dyspnoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, arthralgias and skin rash.
It is essential to note that mild cases may present atypically and may not be diagnosed as leptospirosis.
Can Andaman Fever Cause Death?
Death can occur in as many as 7 out of 10 cases, if not treated in time.
Treatment should be started as early as possible and is available in all health facilities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However Prevention and Control of the Disease is 100% effective.
Learn How to Prevent Andaman Fever (Leptospirosis):
A) Personal protection
• Avoid direct and indirect human contact with animal urine
• Workers working in flooded fields should/contaminated water or mud should be advised to use rubber shoes and gloves.
• In case of any cuts or abrasion on the lower extremities of the body, the worker should apply an antiseptic ointment e.g. betadine, before entering the field and after exit.
B) Rodent Control: Rats, Dogs, Cattle, Pigs and occasionally cats can spread the disease. Avoid direct contact with their urine, saliva on broken skin and contact with water contaminated with urine of infected animals.
C) Chemoprophylaxis: During the peak transmission season Doxycycline 200 mg, once a week for six to eight weeks.
D) Vaccination of animals: While this prevents illness, it does not necessarily protect from infection and renal shedding, so not very effective.
The A& N Administration has urged all the inhabitants of the Islands to exercise due caution and stay safe and prevent Andaman Fever. Once the disease occurs, if not detected in time can be fatal in as many as 7 out of 10 cases. Mostly the death occurs due to bleeding in lungs and respiratory airways, kidney and liver failure.
