Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted between animals and humans that thrives in shared environments. It has been reported in Kerala since 1989 and has remained endemic there for over three decades, now ranking as the communicable disease with the highest death rate in the state. Cases occur year-round but increase sharply with the southwest monsoon. Over the past three years, Kerala has recorded roughly 5,000 cases and about 400 deaths annually, including both confirmed and probable. In July this year alone, the illness caused 50 fatalities.
