Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Sep 5: Contagious diseases are on the rise again in twin districts due to inclement weather. Number of people approaching doctors for cold, fever, throat pain, vomiting and allergies is on the rise since past few days. In the midst of these health issue, rat fever is also raising its ugly head.
In this year’s monsoon, 112 people in Udupi and 305 in Dakshina Kannada are infected with rat fever.
Representational image
In the month of August, 163 samples are collected in Udupi. At present 42 cases are active. In the district of Dakshina Kannada, 192 cases are reported in Mangaluru, 37 in Bantwal, 51 in Beltangady, 19 in Puttur and five cases in Sullia.
Rat fever is a kind of bacterial infection. This gets transferred to human beings by the touch of spit, urine, feces or any part of rat. This infection might get transferred from the cats and dogs that catch rats. If feces of rat is found in the house, the area needs to be cleaned by spraying anti-bacterial liquid.
One the virus of rat fever enters the body, severe fever is seen within two to 25 days’ time. This will be accompanies by body pain, headache, vomiting, stomach ache etc. This is mostly found in farmers, fishermen, pig farmers, underground drainage workers and meat traders. If treatment is taken on time, this can be cured. If there are holes or injuries on the foot, this disease gets transferred easily.