People in flood-hit areas warned of leptospirosis

BANGKOK, October 5 (TNA) - As dozens Thai provinces have remained flooded, Deputy Public Health Minister Sorawong Tienthong has warned people in the flood-hit provinces to beware of and prevent themselves from floodwater-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, a fatal animal-borne disease, which can result in high fever, internal bleeding and organ failure. Sorawong told reporters on Saturday that public health officials and volunteers have been instructed to keep close eyes on leptospirosis, in particular, in provinces affected by floods, as well as those where inundations are receding, expected for the next 15 days. At present, 33 provinces across Thailand are encountering floods, with flooding levels in nine provinces receding, while normalcy is being restored in Roi Et, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket and Surin provinces after they were hit by floods. Sorawong noted, however, that “leptospirosis cases have so far not been reported in all flooded areas.” The deputy public health minister acknowledged that leptospirosis is brought about by rats and transmitted to humans through contaminated water, especially rat urine, and that once it comes into contact with cuts and open wounds in humans' skin, a person may develop fever, muscle pain and conjunctivitis. According to the deputy minister, post-flood period is the highest risk time for leptospirosis because people often return home for cleaning. The deputy health minister advised people to avoid contacting floodwater and if it is unavoidable, they should wear boots, gloves and other protective gears and immediately take a shower after exposure to floodwaters. The deputy health minister also advised people to practice food hygiene at all times and not to dump wastes in floodwater to reduce risk of the deadly disease, saying that those who develop fever, muscle pain and conjunctivitis should immediate see doctors to avoid complications which could lead to dead. (TNA)