06 Jul 2023 Leptospirosis
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Leptospirosis”. The topic “Leptospirosis” has relevance in the “Science and Technology” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
What is Leptospirosis? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment?
For Mains:
GS3: One Health Approach in Prevention of diseases
Why in the news?
In India, thousands of individuals are affected by leptospirosis every year, especially during monsoons and floods.
Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by various species within the genus Leptospira, is a zoonotic disease that manifests in both humans and animals.
Who are the reservoirs of this bacteria?
- Although commonly referred to as “rat fever,” leptospirosis can be transmitted by various animals including cattle, buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and rodents.
- All mammalian species can harbor leptospires in their kidneys and act as a source of infection for humans and other animals.
- Rodents, particularly, are the primary carriers of leptospirosis and can shed leptospira throughout their lifespan without showing clinical symptoms.
- Pigs and cattle, in a carrier state, can excrete significant amounts of leptospires and pose a risk for human infection.
How is the bacteria Leptospira transmitted?
- Leptospires can enter the bodies of humans and animals through cuts and abrasions in the skin, intact mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes), and possibly waterlogged skin.
- Inhalation of urine droplets or consumption of contaminated drinking water may also occasionally allow leptospires to enter the human body.
Who is at risk?
- The ailment is recognized as a potential occupational risk for individuals employed in agricultural environments, those handling animals, or working in sanitary services that involve exposure to polluted water.
- Recreational activities in contaminated lakes and rivers are also reported to increase the risk of leptospirosis.
What are the symptoms?
- The severity of leptospirosis infection can vary from a mild flu-like illness to a life-threatening condition.
- Leptospirosis is a systemic disease, affecting multiple organs, which often leads to the misdiagnosis of the signs and symptoms.
- In mild cases, patients may experience sudden onset fever, chills, and headache, or they may be asymptomatic.
- Severe cases of leptospirosis are characterized by organ dysfunction, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain.
- Animals, such as cattle and pigs, may exhibit clinical symptoms such as reproductive failure, stillbirths, and weak offspring.
- Dogs can experience various symptoms, including fever, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, renal failure, and in some cases, death.
How can the disease be prevented?
The outbreaks of leptospirosis have been reported from coastal districts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Andamans & Nicobar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu & Puducherry from time to time.
- ‘One Health’ approach: Leptospirosis prevention can be enhanced through a ‘One Health’ approach that considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
- Personal Protective Measures: Individuals who frequently come into contact with animals or their urine should take precautions, such as wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and boots.
- Prevention in Animals: Preventing infection in animals is crucial to reduce the spread of leptospirosis and minimize economic losses for farmers, especially when the disease leads to reproductive failures in pigs and cattle. Ensuring sanitary animal-keeping conditions not only reduces the risk of leptospirosis but also promotes overall animal health and prevents the spread of other diseases.
- Precautions in Monsoon: During the monsoon season, when cases of leptospirosis tend to increase, it is advisable to take additional precautions such as washing arms and legs with an antiseptic liquid after handling animal waste or working in water.
Public health professionals should collaborate closely with the animal husbandry department to raise awareness about the dangers of leptospirosis and develop effective strategies that prioritize the health of both humans and animals within the framework of ‘One Health.’
Q1. With reference to Leptospirosis, consider the following statements:
- Leptospirosis is a viral disease that affects humans and animals.
- Leptospires can enter the bodies of humans and animals through cuts and abrasions in the skin.
- Participating in leisure activities in polluted lakes and rivers has been linked to an increased risk of leptospirosis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q2. Consider the following statements :
Statement- I: Leptospirosis is commonly referred to as “rat-fever”.
Statement- II: Rodents are the only carriers of leptospirosis and they can shed leptospira throughout their lifespan without showing clinical symptoms.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement- I and Statement- II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement- I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement- I is correct but Statement- II is incorrect.
(d) Statement- I is incorrect but Statement- II is correct.
Answer: (c)
Q3. Discuss the significance of the ‘One Health’ approach in addressing the challenges posed by diseases such as leptospirosis, and analyze its implications for public health and animal welfare.
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