Hyderabad: Over the previous three years, Telangana has recorded the sharpest proportional rise in leptospirosis circumstances in India, with confirmed infections rising from simply two in 2023 to 249 in 2025 — practically 125 instances larger.Until June this yr, the state had already recorded 101 confirmed circumstances, indicating that the bacterial illness continues to flow into in the course of the ongoing monsoon. This was tabled within the current Rajya Sabha knowledge on the surveillance of monsoon-related ailments.Based on the information, Kerala reported the best variety of leptospirosis circumstances in 2025, with 4,001 infections, adopted by Tamil Nadu (2,862), Karnataka (2,302) and Maharashtra (2,184). Telangana, nonetheless, recorded the steepest proportional rise, adopted by Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and different states. Ladakh and Lakshadweep reported no or negligible circumstances.Leptospirosis is a bacterial an infection unfold by way of water or soil contaminated with the urine of contaminated animals, notably rodents. Circumstances sometimes surge after heavy rains and flooding. In Hyderabad, docs at govt and personal hospitals mentioned they often see round 10 to fifteen leptospirosis circumstances a month.Whereas some sufferers develop multi-organ dysfunction, because the illness primarily impacts the kidneys and liver, extreme circumstances may contain the lungs and different organs. If left untreated, leptospirosis could be deadly, docs mentioned.A 27-year-old man was lately admitted to a personal hospital with excessive fever, extreme physique ache and worsening kidney operate after initially being handled elsewhere for dengue and a viral an infection.“As his situation failed to enhance, we suspected leptospirosis based mostly on his historical past of publicity to floodwater and confirmed it by way of laboratory exams. He was instantly began on antibiotics, together with supportive remedy for kidney dysfunction. He responded effectively and recovered with out requiring dialysis,” mentioned Dr Okay Seshi Kiran, infectious illness knowledgeable at Yashoda Hospitals.Specialists mentioned the rise in leptospirosis circumstances is probably going being pushed by erratic rainfall, city flooding, poor drainage and elevated publicity to contaminated water.“The illness spreads by way of water contaminated with the urine of contaminated animals, notably rats. Heavy rains and flooding improve the chance of contamination, making human publicity extra frequent. Rising rodent populations, poor sanitation and insufficient private hygiene additional help transmission. Early analysis and well timed remedy are essential to forestall extreme issues,” mentioned Dr B Prasad, an infection specialist at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).Leptospirosis usually begins like a viral fever, with signs reminiscent of excessive fever, extreme physique ache, headache, vomiting and purple eyes, making it simple to mistake for dengue or influenza.“We often suspect leptospirosis in sufferers with fever, chills, extreme muscle ache and purple eyes, particularly if they’ve lately walked by way of floodwater. Jaundice or kidney dysfunction raises additional suspicion, as these are much less frequent in dengue and different viral fevers,” mentioned Dr Pratik Patil, advisor at KIMS Hospitals.“Often, docs suspect dengue, malaria or typhoid when a affected person presents with fever. However leptospirosis also needs to be thought-about, particularly if there’s a historical past of floodwater publicity. Lacking the analysis delays the appropriate antibiotics and will increase the chance of significant issues,” mentioned Dr Madap Karuna, infectious ailments specialist.Specialists warned that untreated leptospirosis can harm the kidneys, liver, lungs and mind, doubtlessly resulting in kidney failure, meningitis, extreme lung illness and even loss of life.“Folks ought to keep away from strolling by way of stagnant floodwater, put on protecting footwear and gloves whereas cleansing drains or working in flooded fields, and instantly cowl any open wounds. They need to search medical consideration in the event that they develop fever after publicity to floodwater,” specialists suggested.
