Post flood study on the incidence of leptospirosis in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India

Abstract

Alappuzha district was severely affected by floods due to the intense rainfall in August 2018. A three member team with the assistance of local health workers was entrusted to assess the post flood situation and to assist the local health department to extend expertise mainly to control infectious diseases and propose suggestions regarding hygiene and sanitary measures to be taken for health and wellbeing of the community. Among the infectious diseases, Leptospirosis poses a significant public health issue in the flood affected areas of Alappuzha district. Majority of households had taken chemoprophylaxis for Leptospirosis as per standard protocol as also temporary rehabilitation camps in the flood affected areas. There was no episode of Acute Diarrheal Diseases (ADD), found in clusters in any of the areas. The number of dengue fever cases reported in post flood period was less when compared to previous year. Risk assessment is essential in post-disaster situations mainly concerned with the rapid implementation of control measures through refurbishment and improvement of health care delivery. The findings presented relate to an assessment carried out in Alappuzha district in September 2018 that included epidemiological situation analysis, appraisal of laboratory facilities for microbiology investigations, evaluation of health facilities and infrastructure available at Local Self Governments (LSGs).