Nine die from ‘rat fever’ following Kerala floods

Authorities in India have confirmed at least nine people have died from leptospirosis – also known as ‘rat fever’ – in Kerala.

Nearly 400 people died and more than one million people were displaced after heavy monsoon rains wreaked devastation in the south Indian state last month.

A local government minister said since the 15 August 523 people have sought treatment for symptoms of rat fever, which include headache, muscle pain and vomiting.

The disease is contracted when people wade or swim in water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

Aid workers are continuing efforts to distribute antibiotics in cases of suspected infection.