Date:28/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/28/stories/2008112859040200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Personal hygiene can prevent several ailments, say doctors

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The rain over the past few days has resulted in water stagnation in several parts of the city. This could lead to bacterial and viral infection as people have had to wade through stagnant water.

A common but usually less-diagnosed bacterial infection is leptospirosis. The urine of infected rats, which may be found in drains, could contaminate the water. The bacteria could enter through the feet and result in infection. Leptospirosis, a multi-organ disease, mimics symptoms of other diseases such as malaria, typhoid or jaundice. Or the person may suffer headache, fever, vomiting and gastroenteritis.

After wading through stagnant rainwater, it is advisable to wash feet with soap and water and wipe dry to prevent infection.

Since rainwater could have entered the drinking water sumps, it would be safer to consume boiled water, doctors say.

Among the most common ailments doing the rounds in the city is viral fever with the affected persons having high temperature for two to three days but with no attendant problems such as body aches. Most viral infections are spread by inhaling contaminated air or through intake of contaminated water or food or by direct contact with the infected person.

The infection could lead to nasal congestion, headache, cough, tiredness and fever. Though fever by itself may subside after two or three days, the virus could multiply and cause persistent infection if proper treatment is not sought.

Doctors say that it is not advisable to consider self-medication or buy prophylactics without proper prescription from medical shops. In order to rule out manifestation of other diseases, it is necessary to conduct investigations, public health experts say.

Roads turn rest rooms

Across the city, many men, mostly commuters, could be seen voiding their bladder along the roads. With the stagnant water already posing a threat, this only seemed to compound the problem and stench, besides multiplying the health risks .