The condition of four patients is stated to be serious. While 10 of the patients are from Surat, one is from Navsari. The Mahuva taluka of the Surat district appears to be the worst affected six of the patients hail from villages in that taluka while Vyara has thrown up two cases. The other district patients are from Palsana and Udhna, in the city.

At least 20 more cases are being treated at the primary health centres in the Mahuva, Vyara and Palsana talukas, health department officials said, adding that department personnel had been sent to the affected areas.

Talking to Express Newsline, NCH superintendent Dr Khatija Saifee said if necessary, a separate ward would be opened for leptospirosis patients. Four patients are currently in the ICU.

Saifee, however, dismissed speculation that the Udhna case indicated an outbreak of the disease in the city. The leptospirae bacteria -- usually found in rodent waste -- spreads through water and enters the human body through cuts and wounds. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. The disease is most common among farm workers.