The district administration has stepped up leptospirosis prevention activities after the Health Department issued an alert over this. District Collector K.Vasuki has said that those who have returned after cleaning work in the flood-hit regions and those who are planning to go to these places should consume the doxycycline tablets to prevent leptospirosis. Directions have been issued to various agencies to chlorinate the wells and water bodies in the district.
Those who are involved in cleaning up activities should consume doxycycline 200 mg in one go every week. Those who participated in the rescue work, including fish workers, police personnel, fire and rescue personnel and other volunteers should consume it as per the directions of health workers.In case of any of the symptoms, including fever, body pain, pain in leg muscles, yellow colour in the eyes, variation in the amount and colour of urine, they should contact the nearest Government health centre. The Collector said that private hospitals and clinics should follow strictly the treatment protocol issued by the government.The respective departments have been given the responsibility of creating awareness among MGNREGA workers and those working in water-logged areas. The meeting held at the Collectorate also decided to conduct leptospirosis awareness programmes in schools.