Rat fever outbreak kills two brothers in Bantwal

Mangalore, August 21: Two young brothers from Muda village under Panjikallu health centre jurisdiction in Bantwal taluk have succumbed to leptospirosis (rat fever) since last Thursday, according to health officials.

The deceased have been identified as Deepak Poojary (22), who died in Father Muller Hospital on Thursday, and his younger brother Praveen Poojary (17), who died at KMC Hospital on Monday. Their father Seetharam Poojary is also said to the suffering from rat fever.

Deepak, suffering from fever was admitted to a private hospital in BC Road on August 13, and subsequently shifted to Fr Muller Medical College in the city after physicians suspected him to be suffering from leptospirosis. However, due to delay in admission, Deepak encountered multiple organ failure with liver and kidneys failing, leading to his death, three days later, Dr Srirangappa stated.

Later Seetharam and Praveen who too developed fever were admitted to KMC Attavar for treatment on August 18. The doctors discharged Praveen as his medical test reports for leptospirosis turned out negative. However, he was again admitted to KMC Hospital at Dr BR Ambedkar (Jyothi) Circle a day later. Praveen succumbed to the disease on Monday, while his father is recovering.

Dr Srirangappa advised people with symptoms of fever to get themselves tested at the nearest government or private hospitals. Instructions have been given to all primary health centres to screen patients for the disease and send their samples to district hospital for further screening in case of doubts. Medicine is available in all government hospitals for the disease.

He said that there were rat boroughs near the house where an open container of water was kept. This could have served as source for the spread of the disease. Delay in getting treatment could lead to jaundice which could be the sign of liver failure. It could lead to multiple organ failure. It was better to wear gumboots, and plastic gloves while working in water. If that was not possible, people should take hot water bath and apply antiseptic cream over wounds after exposure to contaminated sources. People should seek medical attention the moment these symptoms such as headache, body pain, and fever were noticed, Dr. Srirangappa said.