Port Blair, Sep 23: The State Health Education Bureau. Directorate of Health Services, A & N Administration has organized awareness programmes on Leptospirosis (Andaman Hemorrhagic Fever) at Anganwadi centre, Nayashahar, South Andaman on 24th September 2013 to create awareness about the cause, sign and symptoms and prevention of the disease among the general public.
Mr. Dr. H.M. Siddaraju, Deputy Director (Health Education) elaborated about the disease and informed that the Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of micro organism called Spirochete.
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis found in the wild and domestic animals such as cattle, goat, pigs. dogs, cats and rats, which acts as reservoir of infection, contaminates the soil and water by passing urine. Human being accidentally contract the disease after getting contact with contaminated water and soil through cut/wound in skin and intact mucous membrane (eyes, nose and mouth).
Mr. Siddaraju explained that Leptospirosis is a seasonal disease and occur in rainy season and he appealed the students and teachers that flu like symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, and cough, breathing difficulties and redness of eyes may be Leptospirosis and report to nearest Health centre as early as possible. Some patients develop complication due to multiple organ involvement leading to death mainly because of delay in seeking health. Leptospirosis is curable by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. All the Health Institutions are capable of diagnosing and treating Leptospirosis.
Speaking on the occasion he informed that environmental cleanliness and self protection is the key for prevention of Leptospirosis. He advised to avoid swimming/washing hands or face in the contaminated stagnant/stream water, not to walk bare foot, not to through kitchen waste/food remains in open space which attract rats, to always drink boiled water, any cuts and wound must be dressed properly by water proof dressing while working in the field and to maintain personal hygiene and keep surrounding clean.
Further he also highlighted about care of mother & child health during pregnancy, routine antenatal checkup of mothers. He also given information about various Govt schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Sishu Suraksha karakram and Various incentives given under family welfare Programme for mothers.
