The monsoon has started with a bang after sizzling summers. People are enjoying the rains to the fullest by indulging in outings, eating street food and enjoying the greenery. With the continuous spells of rain, the season makes a suitable environment for some microorganisms to grow and produce certain diseases. No doubt, the monsoons are much awaited due to the vast relief they offer from the scorching summers, but there’s also a downside to the rains. Every monsoon season, the risk of catching various diseases is extremely high. Many of these monsoon diseases remain undiagnosed until they progress to the later stages, greatly increasing the risk of mortality. This is why early diagnosis of diseases in rainy season is so critical, making the difference between life and death. If you notice any symptoms of illness that are common in the monsoon season, visit a doctor right away! More so, if it is Leptospirosis. . .
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by exposure to dirty water more prevalent in rains and coming in close contact with animal’s excreta. In this disease, bacteria enters the body through contaminated food and water which reaches gut and spreads into blood causing infections which manifests in high fever, shivering, headaches, etc.
If not treated on time, it even leads to kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, respiratory distress and liver failure. It even causes severe skin infections.
Causes of Leptospirosis:
– Drinking contaminated water.
– Contact with water, food or soil contaminated with the urine of animals due to leakage in sewage pipes, breaking of drains in rainy season.
– Bacteria can enter the body through cut or scratch on skin.
– Floods or over flowing sewer water which spreads on roads and local areas.
Who are at risk?
– Children playing in muddy fields, dirty roads during rains.
– People indulging in swimming and water sports in lakes and rivers which are infected and unclean.
– Campers who participate in outdoor sports.
– Fishermen and sewer workers.
– Families who drink non purified water during rains.
Leptospirosis is getting increasingly common in urban cities because of leakage in sewage pipes, water logging and accumulation of garbage on roads and close to housing societies.
Symptoms: High fever, cold chills, severe headaches, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with diarrhoea and rash.
Prevention: Avoid contact with stagnant rainwater, keep all wounds clean and covered; use antiseptics to clean the wound and prevent infection, avoid swimming in possibly contaminated water (sea, lakes, etc).
Leptospirosis in Ayurveda: Good personal hygiene can help prevent Leptospirosis. Also minimizing your exposure to animals and soil is another way to prevent lepto during the monsoons. If you have pets, there are dog and cat vaccines to keep you and your best friend safe and sound.
Treatment for Leptospirosis in Ayurveda focuses largely around preventing and managing kidney failure or disease. Use of Tribhuvankirti twice daily is recommended. Additionally you may also consume
Ayurvedic medicines that can ease symptoms of indigestion like Triphala wherein two tablets should be consumed twice a day.
Not having Lepto diagnosed and treated can lead to severe health issues like kidney and liver failure and even end in death. So it is best to consult a doctor if any symptoms persist longer than 24 hours or if they worsen considerably please visit your nearest hospital.
