Rapid assessment of coverage of doxycycline/azithromycin chemoprophylaxis against leptospirosis following floods, Kozhikode district, Kerala, 2018

Abstract Background We estimated coverage of doxycycline chemoprophylaxis (200 mg once weekly) following floods in Kerala, India. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather data on exposure to flood or stagnant water and receipt and consumption of chemoprophylaxis. Results Of 1573 individuals interviewed, 152 (10%) were exposed to flood water. Among these, 119 (78%) were eligible for chemoprophylaxis. Of those eligible, 58 (38.2% [95% confidence interval 30.8 to 46.1]) reported consuming the prescribed chemoprophylaxis. Conclusions Despite the availability of chemoprophylaxis, consumption was less than ideal. We recommend targeted interventions to improve chemoprophylaxis coverage and public awareness campaigns to enhance its consumption among the affected population.