{
  "id": 28185,
  "title": "Why is Kerala facing high leptospirosis mortality? | Explained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/01/why-is-kerala-facing-high-leptospirosis-mortality-explained",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-01T09:22:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu Health",
    "slug": "the-hindu-health",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/why-is-kerala-facing-high-leptospirosis-mortality-explained/article71293783.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread by animals, has become the most deadly communicable disease in Kerala over the past three decades. Reported year-round, cases and deaths typically rise with the onset of the southwest monsoon season each year.\n\nSince 1989, Kerala has seen approximately 5,000 annual cases and around 400 deaths from leptospirosis, including confirmed and probable instances. This year, the disease has claimed 50 lives alone in July.\n\nThe recurring issue of high mortality from leptospirosis in Kerala underscores the urgent need for improved public health measures, particularly during the monsoon season when the risk of infection is heightened. The state has consistently faced around 5,000 cases and 400 deaths annually due to this tropical zoonotic disease, making it the deadliest communicable disease in the region.",
  "summary": "With leptospirosis deaths mounting in Kerala, here’s what is driving the State’s high mortality burden",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu Health",
        "title": "Leptospirosis mortality spirals up in Kerala",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/01/leptospirosis-mortality-spirals-up-in-kerala",
        "published": "2026-08-01T05:09:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}