Team Mangalorean - Bantwal

Bantwal: Deepak (19) and Praveen, sons of Seetaram Poojary and Jyoti couple from Mittaparari near Kuppilain Bantwal Mooda village, have reportedly died of leptospirosis, commonly called 'rat fever' within five days of each other over the past week. While Deepak died on August 16, Praveen died on Monday, August 19.

When the symptoms of the ailment were observed in Deepak, he had been admitted to a hospital in Mangalore on August 13. But since his liver and kidney had been affected, he died on August 16.

When subsequently their father Seetaram and Praveen also developed the same symptoms, they too were hospitalized in Mangalore. Praveen was initially discharged since no signs of rat fever were found in him. However soon thereafter his condition worsened and he was admitted again, but he died on Monday.

Their father Seetaram is said to be recovering. The two boys were both students of Carmel College in Modankap. While Deepak was studying BBM, Praveen was in I PUC.

The family is in dire straits now, with two future pillars of support having died. Seetaram works as a daily wage-earner in a wood mill. Besides, there seems to be a possibility of all family members being affected by the ailment. Health officials have instructed that all of them get examined.

Symptoms

Leptospirosis or rat fever can spread from person to person. It is found among rodents and wild animals. Since it is a water-borne disease, contaminated water can communicate the organisms when used to wash face and hands, through minute injuries or spores. Its common symptoms are headache, bodyache and fever.

Medicine is available in government hospitals. Treatment can be difficult once the conditions worsens. Hence immediate medical attention is recommended once the symptoms show up.