Study of process of intervention to control leptospirosis through chemoprophylaxis

摘要

Objectives: (1) to reduce mortality, as far as possible, due to leptospirosis with intervention of chemoprophylaxis in two sampled villages, (2) to observe the process of distribution of doxycycline, & (3) to evolve the strategy of implementation of chemoprophylaxis in selected villages.Material & Methods: One village each from two Primary Health Centres (PHCs) was identified, which had reported cases of leptospirosis and deaths in the past 5 years. Pipalgabhan village from Sadakpor PHC and Malvada village from Hond PHC were selected for the study. Doxycycline capsule, 200 mg orally, was administered weekly (every Monday). Two methods used for doxycycline capsule distribution, in Malvada village house to house approach was used while in Pipalgabhan village capsules were distributed through booths.Results: In first round of chemoprophylaxis, 287 (97.6%) eligible people were given doxycycline in Malvada village. In Pipalgabhan village with target population of 3353, only 1402 (41.8%) people have taken doxycycline chemoprophylaxis on first Monday of this study. Not a single case was reported from Malvada village with such a good compliance. In Pipalgabhan village, 3 suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported.Conclusion:House to house approach is more acceptable than booth approach for doxycycline chemoprophylaxis. Patient compliance was also very good with house to house approach.