A child diagnosed leptospirosis in a cough syrup health check -up: what is this?
The recent investigation into the deaths of a child associated with the consumption of cuff syrup has revealed that a case conducted a positive test for leptospirosis, highlighting the need for awareness about this bacterial infection.
Health officials in Madhya Pradesh have allegedly investigated the recent reports of the deaths of a child associated with consumption of cuff syrup. Samples of cuff syrup, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), water and environmental samples were collected and tested by several laboratories, including the National Institute of Virology (NIV) and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
While none of the samples of syrup were found to be found to be harmful contaminant such as Dythylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (Easy), a child’s blood/CSF samples conducted a positive test for leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that could cause serious illness.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria LeptospiraIt spreads through contaminated water or soil from infected animals, usually mice, livestock or pet urine. Humans can be infected by drinking contaminated water, swimming in contaminated ponds, or drinking wounds in contaminated soil or water.
Symptoms for viewing
Symptoms of leptospirosis are different and may appear after 2 to 30 days after exposure. Common signals include:
- High fever and chills
- Headache and muscle pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Red eyes and skin rashes in some cases
- Severe cases may cause jaundice, kidney damage or bleeding.
Early diagnosis is important because symptoms may be wrong for flu or other common infections.
How to spread leptospirosis
Bacteria are mostly found in the urine of infected animals. Contaminated water or soil is the main source of human infection. High risk people include:
- Farmer and agricultural activists
- Children playing in contaminated water
- People living in poor hygiene or frequent flooded areas
Prevention and safety measures
Simple hygiene and precautionary measures are required to prevent leptospirosis:
- Avoid swimming or wading in potential contaminated water
- Wear protective clothes and gloves while handling soil or animals
- Clean and control the environment around the houses
- If symptoms develop after risk, seek medical care immediately.
Some countries have vaccines for animals, but are widely used to humans in India.
