‘Floodwater may seem harmless but…’: Mumbai doctors warn about leptospirosis 

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While June remained dry, the first few days of July witnessed extremely heavy showers, bringing normal life to a halt in the Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Several areas in Mumbai, Thane, Vasai-Virar, Nalasopara experience torrential rains, leading to flooding and waterlogging. With the streets and even the railway lines submerged under water, residents – especially office goers trying to reach back home – walked in waterlogged streets. 

Following the heavy showers, Mumbai doctors say there is also a rise in the cases of monsoon sicknesses, more particularly leptospirosis, as people can get infected by it due to flood water.

mid-day spoke to Dr Amit Saraf, director, department of internal medicine, Jupiter Hospital in Thane, and Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital in Parel. They not only highlight the causes, symptoms, and treatment, but also highlight how flood water can cause leptospirosis and what  the civic authorities and corporate offices can do to help Mumbaikars stay healthy throughout the season.

With the monsoon season here, are the cases of leptospirosis increasing? Why does it occur more during this season?

Dr Saraf: Yes, we often see a rise in leptospirosis during the monsoon. Heavy rain and waterlogging cause water contaminated with the urine of infected rats and other animals to mix with floodwater. People who have cuts, abrasions, or exposure through their eyes, nose, and mouth are at greater risk during this season.

Dr Agarwal: People are at a higher risk when they walk through or come into contact with contaminated floodwater or muddy areas, especially if they have cuts or abrasions on the skin.

What are the causes and effects of leptospirosis?

Dr Saraf: Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, usually acquired through contact with contaminated water or soil. Many infections are mild, but if left untreated, the disease can affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Early diagnosis is crucial because timely treatment greatly reduces the risk of serious complications.

Dr Agarwal: The infection can range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe disease if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis and why should people not ignore it?

Dr Saraf: The illness often starts with a high fever, severe body aches, headache, chills, and vomiting, making it easy to confuse with viral fever. Some individuals may also develop red eyes or jaundice. Ignoring these symptoms after exposure to floodwater can delay treatment and increase the risk of organ damage in severe cases.

Dr Agarwal: Patients can also develop muscle pain (especially in the calves), and nausea,. These symptoms should not be ignored, as delayed treatment can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, liver damage, bleeding, or respiratory distress.

Are Mumbaikars more susceptible to leptospirosis cases? If yes, why is it the case?

Dr Saraf: Mumbai’s dense population, frequent waterlogging, overflowing drains, and large rodent population create favourable conditions for leptospirosis. Daily commuting often requires people to walk through stagnant water, increasing their exposure. While anyone can get infected, urban flooding makes city residents particularly vulnerable during the monsoon.

Dr Agarwal: Mumbaikars are at a higher risk during the monsoon because the city frequently experiences heavy rainfall, increasing exposure to contaminated water on streets. The risk is especially high for people who wade through floodwater, sanitation workers, and those living in flood-prone areas.

Several areas of Mumbai are flooding. Does walking in flooded water make people vulnerable to leptospirosis?

Dr Saraf: Yes. Floodwater may seem harmless but can carry bacteria from animal urine. The bacteria can enter the body through small cuts, cracked skin, or mucous membranes. Even brief exposure can be risky, especially with open wounds. It’s advisable to wash thoroughly with clean water after being exposed.

Dr Agarwal: Walking through flooded water significantly increases the risk of leptospirosis. People who have had significant exposure to flood water — especially those who walked through waterlogged areas for a long duration, should consult a doctor for preventive treatment.

Which is the most vulnerable population to leptospirosis? Who should avoid walking in flood water?

Dr Saraf: People with open wounds, diabetes, weak immune systems, chronic kidney or liver disease, pregnant women, and the elderly should avoid floodwater whenever possible. Outdoor workers, sanitation staff, and emergency responders also face a higher risk. Children should never be allowed to play or wade through flooded areas.

Dr Agarwal: Other than these, people with sanitation workers, and those involved in rescue or outdoor work are at greater risk of leptospirosis. These groups should avoid walking through floodwater whenever possible and use protective footwear if exposure is unavoidable.

Vasai, Nalasopara, and Virar witnessed unprecedented flooding. While people are forced to walk in flood water to reach back home from work, how can they protect themselves?

Dr Saraf: If avoiding floodwater is not possible, wear waterproof boots if you can find them and keep any cuts covered with waterproof dressings. Wash your feet and hands thoroughly with soap and clean water as soon as you get home, change into dry clothes, and seek medical advice promptly if you develop a fever in the next few days.

Dr Agarwal: Residents should seek medical attention promptly if fever or other symptoms develop in the following days despite taking all the precautions.

What is the treatment for leptospirosis? While some may have access to doctors, others are far away or don’t have access. How can they manage till the doctor visit?

Dr Saraf: Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, and severe cases may need hospital care. Until you can see a doctor, stay hydrated, rest, and use paracetamol for fever if necessary. Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics or painkillers like ibuprofen without guidance. Never ignore a persistent fever after exposure to floodwater.

Dr Agarwal: Seek urgent care if you develop a high fever, jaundice, breathlessness, or reduced urine output.

What can civic authorities do to curb leptospirosis in Mumbai?

Dr Saraf: Preventing leptospirosis requires better drainage, swift removal of stagnant water, effective rodent control, and regular sanitation efforts. Public awareness is also crucial so that people can recognise symptoms early and seek treatment. Ensuring quick access to diagnostic facilities and medicines in flood-prone areas can help reduce severe illness.

Dr Agarwal: Civic authorities can reduce leptospirosis by improving drainage, preventing waterlogging, strengthening waste management, and carrying out effective rodent control measures. Public awareness campaigns, timely sanitation efforts, and easy access to early diagnosis and treatment during the monsoon are also essential.

Lastly, what can corporates do to help employees deal with Mumbai rains and floods? Does travelling long hours in rain cause sickness and is leptospirosis one of them?

Dr Saraf: Companies can lower risk by offering flexible work arrangements, encouraging work-from-home during heavy flooding, and educating employees about monsoon-related infections. Long commutes through floodwater increase exposure to diseases like leptospirosis, especially if people stay in wet clothes or have cuts on their feet. Employees should be encouraged to report symptoms early.

Dr Agarwal: Corporates can support employees by offering flexible work arrangements during severe rains, encouraging work-from-home where possible, and educating staff about monsoon-related health risks. Long commutes through floodwater can increase exposure to infections such as leptospirosis, making preventive measures and early symptom reporting essential.