Leptospirosis breaks out in India following floods

Malaysia Sun Saturday 25th August, 2007

An outbreak of leptospirosis in three districts of south Gujarat in India has claimed 34 lives in the last two weeks.

At least 32 patients were admitted at Surat civil hospital's leptospirosis ward after district health authorities were alerted.

Leptospirosis generally occurs post-monsoon and is a bacterial illness that can affect many parts of the body.

People get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, damp soil or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

There have been around 167 cases of leptospirosis in India this year, compared to 549 cases recorded last year after heavy floods in the region.