Health department modifies treatment protocol

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state was expecting a sudden bout of leptospirosis cases as an immediate impact of floods. Now, the directorate of health services (DHS) has slightly modified the treatment protocol considering the increasing reports of pulmonary symptoms such as lung infection and pulmonary haemorrhage.

As experts warn of high mortality for leptospirosis cases with pulmonary symptoms, DHS has sent directives to refer for tertiary care and to start penicillin therapy at the earliest for patients with pulmonary symptoms. The change in protocol was issued based on the suggestion of Dr A P Sugunan, scientist, Regional Medical Research Centre of Indian Council of Medical Research, Port Blair,

who is in an expert in leptospirosis. Sugunan said on Friday that complications such as pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome is a reason for death.

“All other complications such as renal failure are reversible. However, pulmonary symptoms increase mortality rates. Pulmonary symptoms are evident within a couple of days while other symptoms only emerge after a week,” he said.

Dr Sugunan said current measures taken by the health department are adequate to control the disease. K G Reena, additional director (public health), said there were 15 deaths of which two are confirmed leptospirosis cases and remaining suspected cases after floods.

Meanwhile, a woman died of leptospirosis in Alappuzha on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Sushama, 51 of Thakazhi. She was staying in a relief camp, along with family.