Thiruvananthapuram: The number of deaths from leptospirosis (rat fever) in the state over the past 11 months has risen to 356. Health experts warn that intermittent rainfall, both during and outside the monsoon season, has led to waterlogging and increased exposure to contaminated water, driving a surge in leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases. Both infections and fatalities linked to leptospirosis continue to rise.

Although preventive medication and treatment for leptospirosis are available, delayed diagnosis and the tendency for the disease to become severe very quickly are putting many lives at risk.

Doctors note that the illness typically begins with common flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches, but cases progressing to severe illness within the first week are increasi

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