Ernakulam records two deaths from leptospirosis, hepatitis A in past month

Two people succumbed to leptospirosis and hepatitis A in Ernakulam over the past month.

A 20-year-old man from Veliyathunad, Aluva, succumbed to hepatitis A on May 20, while a 60-year-old man from Kanjiramattom died due to leptospirosis on May 8. The district has recorded over 170 confirmed and suspected hepatitis A cases since May 10, according to official estimates.

Between May 10 and June 9, the highest number of hepatitis A cases in the district was reported on May 14 (20 cases). On May 25, 19 cases were reported, while 11 cases were recorded on May 30. Nearly 35 cases of leptospirosis were reported from various parts of the district between May 10 and June 9.

The cases of leptospirosis were mostly reported from Manjapra, Vengoor, Kalady, Mattancherry, Vennala, Vazhakulam, Thripunithura, Kottapady, Edathala, Kothamangalam, Asamannoor, Varapetti, Karumaloor, Muvattupuzha, Keezhmad, Kanjoor, Kodanad, and Kanjiramattom.

The health authorities attributed the leptospirosis cases to the use of contaminated water and food. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated water and food, which might be prepared in /washed in contaminated water and through close contact with an infected person.

The Ernakulam Public Health Committee has recommended improved vigilance against the preparation of food in unhygienic conditions, as it remains a key reason for the spread of the disease. Those who suspect that they might have contracted hepatitis should not be working in eateries or handling food. Those who contract the disease should avoid contact with other persons for one to two weeks after symptoms, including fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, manifest.

The convalescent period for hepatitis A is six weeks, during which the infected person should take proper rest and avoid contact with others so that the disease does not worsen and the virus does not spread to other persons.

The health authorities have advised that those involved in dairy farming and indoor cleaning activities should necessarily use protective gumboots and gloves. They can consider taking doxycycline prophylaxis to prevent themselves from contracting leptospirosis. Children, as well as adults, should ensure that they clean their hands and feet with soap if they have waded in rainwater.

Published - June 10, 2025 07:54 pm IST