Pune has seen a significant rise in leptospirosis cases this year due to persistent heavy rainfall and frequent flooding along the Sinhagad Road and other riverbank areas.
Leptospirosis is a dangerous waterborne disease caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, primarily rats. If people come into contact with contaminated floodwater through open wounds or cuts, they are at risk of contracting the disease.
According to data from Sassoon Hospital, 304 leptospirosis cases were diagnosed and treated between January and September this year alone.
However, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recorded only 10 cases during the same period. This disparity has raised concerns about the lack of coordination between Sassoon Hospital and the municipal health department, with questions being asked about whether the cases treated at Sassoon are being properly reported to the civic body.
Leptospirosis typically spreads when floodwater, contaminated with bacteria from the urine of animals like rats, enters the human body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and redness of the eyes. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including death.
"The samples for leptospirosis testing at Sassoon Hospital were collected from both inpatients and outpatients," said Dr. Yellappa Jadhav, Medical Superintendent of Sassoon Hospital.
"We are working on maintaining a centralized record of leptospirosis cases, and treatment is ongoing at all municipal healthcare facilities," said Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer of the PMC.
Data from Sassoon Hospital:
2021: 2,456 tests, 259 positive cases
2022: 1,902 tests, 238 positive cases
2023: 3,503 tests, 518 positive cases
2024 (until September): 4,494 tests, 309 positive cases