Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 October 2025
Great Nicobar has in recent past witnessed the concerning detection of multiple cases of leptospirosis, also known as Andaman Fever, prompting calls for urgent awareness and preventive measures. According to local sources, most of the recent cases have been reported from Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat, a settlement largely inhabited by ex-servicemen settlers and their families, many of whom are engaged in agriculture.
Sources suggest that the concentration of multiple cases in Laxmi Nagar GP may be linked to the community’s occupational exposure. Agricultural work often involves prolonged contact with wet soil, standing water, and flood-prone areas—conditions that favour the survival and spread of Leptospira bacteria. Additionally, the presence of domestic animals, livestock, and rodents in the area increases the risk of transmission.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by Leptospira spirochetes. The primary reservoirs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include:
- Rats: The main carriers, spreading bacteria through their urine
- Dogs and domestic livestock: Including pigs, cows, and goats, which may carry and shed the bacteria
- Wildlife: Certain island wildlife species can also be carriers
Humans contract the disease when they come into contact with urine from infected animals, either directly or indirectly through contaminated water, wet soil, or food.
The bacteria can enter the human body through:
- Cuts, abrasions, or macerated skin
- Mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Consumption of contaminated water or food
- Inhalation of droplets from contaminated water
The disease is most prevalent during the post-monsoon months (October–November), when heavy rainfall and flooding increase environmental contamination, particularly in agricultural areas.
Leptospirosis is highly dangerous if left untreated. Early signs, appearing within 1–7 days of infection, include:
- High fever with chills
- Severe headaches
- Muscle pain, especially in calves and lower back
- Red eyes (conjunctival suffusion), a characteristic symptom
- Nausea, vomiting, dry cough, and abdominal discomfort
If untreated, the infection can progress to severe complications such as jaundice, kidney failure, bleeding disorders, respiratory distress, and meningitis. Historical data shows high fatality rates for untreated cases, highlighting the life-threatening nature of the disease.
Early treatment with antibiotics is critical, and prevention is equally important. Residents can protect themselves by:
- Avoiding contact with floodwater and standing water
- Wearing protective gear such as gloves and rubber boots
- Covering cuts and abrasions with waterproof bandages
- Maintaining personal hygiene, including frequent hand and feet washing
- Drinking boiled or purified water
Community-level measures, such as rodent control, proper waste disposal, and improving drainage to reduce standing water, are also crucial.
The recent rise in cases, particularly in Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat, underscores the urgent need for awareness programs. Many residents may not recognise the early symptoms or understand the risks associated with contact with contaminated water or animals. Health authorities are urged to:
- Conduct village-level awareness campaigns targeting farmers, fishermen, and other high-risk occupational groups
- Distribute educational materials in local languages explaining symptoms, risks, and preventive measures
- Coordinate with panchayats to implement rodent control
- Promote chemoprophylaxis and personal protective measures during the post-monsoon season in high-risk individuals
Leptospirosis remains a serious disease, but it is entirely preventable and treatable when detected early. With heightened awareness, proper preventive practices, and a proactive response from the health department, the spread in Great Nicobar can be controlled, safeguarding the lives of residents in vulnerable communities like Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat.
