Control and prevention of rat fever (Leptospirosis) outbreak in six villages of Raichur district, Karnataka.

The study describes an attempt to record leptospirosis in Raichur taluk/district, in Karnataka, by serological test such as microscopic test and IgM by ELISA. A house to house survey was done in six villages of Krishna river basin. Cases were interviewed regarding chief complaints like, fever, headache and oliguria, age, sex and treatment given with diclofenac, doxycycline, tetracycline and vitamin B complex. A total of 1516 cases were treated. The age of the patients ranged between 10 and 71 years. Most of them were agricultural workers. Out of 15 blood samples 12 samples sent to DHO Office, 3 were negative for leptospirosis, the density of rats were increased in all villages, the mode of transmission was food and water contamination, duration of incubation period was 5 to 10 days. Health education, for the community was undertaken to take measures against rats. Causative agent may be Leptospirosis interrogans, 3 cases were referred to Civil Hospital, Raichur and Navodaya Medical College, Raichur. Community participation was excellent. This study showed the presence of leptospirosis among the community of 6 villages, the disease is posing health hazards for agricultural workers in Raichur taluka villages.