It is the worst flooding in almost 100 years and dozens of people have been thought to have died of rat fever because of what is believed to be an epidemic.
Almost 200 cases of leptospirosis, a waterborne disease known locally as ‘rat fever’, have been confirmed in Kerala. More than 60 people are thought to have died from rat fever.
What is 'Rat fever'?
Rat fever also known as leptospirosis or Weil’s Disease - is spread in water contaminated by the urine of animals, particularly rats, infected with the bacteria. Poor sanitation is the biggest reason for the spread of the infection.
The ministry has declared an emergency protocol in the Kozhikode district and issued a high alert in several regions of the state.
Also, the state is facing a shortage of medicines to combat the spread of this deadly disease. The Kozhikode area needs around three million tablets over the next two months, but currently only has about 500, 000 in stock, Dr RS Gopakumar, a state medical officer, said.
People have been urged to avoid walking in flood water that could have been contaminated by animals.