Leptospirosis Emerges as Growing Health Threat in Northeast India

Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, has caused multiple deaths in Assam and Sikkim, with Leptospira wolffii identified in recent outbreaks. Experts from ICMR-RMRC Dibrugarh found over 40% of patients in Goalpara tested positive. The disease, spread through water contaminated by animal urine, can be fatal if untreated. The first lab-confirmed death from L. wolffii in the Eastern Himalayas was recently reported. Experts urge better diagnostics, early treatment, and stronger surveillance in the flood-prone Northeast.