Rat fever, malaria strike in Karnataka health minister’s backyard

A leptospirosis outbreak has been reported in a few villages in Bellary, home district of the Reddy brothers and health minister B Sriramulu. Popularly known as rat fever, leptospirosis has a high mortality rate if not treated immediately. At least 15 persons have died because of the disease, said the health department.

Gadiganur, Bhuvanahalli, Dharmasagar, Devasamudra and Upparhalli are some of the villages where the outbreak has been reported.

Of the 10 blood samples collected by health authorities, seven tested positive for leptospirosis infection. The samples have been sent to Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science (VIMS), Bellary. It’s feared the number of cases might rise.

District health officer (DHO) Dr Srikanth Basur said laboratory tests results are expected within a couple of days. “But we have a strong suspicion that the infection is as a result of rat fever and the symptoms point to leptospirosis,” said a medical officer. 

However, Bellary’s district administration feigned any knowledge about the outbreak.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by spirochete bacteria and it’s transmitted by rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, and other vermin. It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water.