Monsoon fevers: preventing dengue and leptospirosis

Every monsoon, fevers spread across Kerala. Dengue and leptospirosis (eli pani) among them can be life-threatening. Both can largely be prevented.

Dengue

Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day and lay eggs in still, clean water.

• Keep one "dry day" a week: empty every bit of standing water around the house
• Coconut shells, tyres, flower-pot saucers, fridge trays, folds in tarpaulin
• Keep water-storage containers covered

Leptospirosis

The germ enters the body, often through cuts, from water or soil contaminated with the urine of rats, cattle and other animals.

• Farm workers, people cleaning drains, anyone wading through floodwater: wear gloves and boots
• Do not enter dirty water with cuts on your hands or feet
• If your work puts you at risk, ask your nearest health centre about preventive medicine

If you get a fever

• Do not treat it yourself; see a doctor, especially if it lasts more than two days
• Tell the doctor if you have been in contact with dirty water
• Do not take painkillers unless a doctor prescribes them
• Drink plenty of water and kanji water

Go to hospital at once for any of these: vomiting that will not stop, severe stomach pain, bleeding from the gums or nose, yellow eyes, or passing very little urine.