Beware of leptospirosis when picnicking, warns MoH
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has cautioned people off holidaying in natural water spots to beware of cases of leptospirosis, also known as rat urine disease.
According to The Star today, at least two people died of the disease after dips in a waterfall or pond in the last two months.
Health deputy director-general (public health) Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman told the daily that there has been 14 outbreaks of leptospirosis so far this year, involving some 2,200 people.
Out of the total, an average of 27% of cases were recorded at recreational areas in the last two years. The disease killed 78 people last year.
Lokman said the ministry had conducted tests in 71 natural water spots nationwide last year and found eight sites to have traces of the disease.
He added that poor cleanliness/sanitation in recreation areas may also increase the risk of contamination.
This happened when scraps, such as food waste left behind by visitors became food sources for rats and other wildlife, which would then end up leaving their droppings in natural water sites.
He advised vacationers to maintain cleanliness, and avoid swimming and drinking raw water from natural water bodies or ponds.
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