PETALING JAYA: Be mindful of contact with bodies of water and contaminated environments, especially after heavy rain and floods or if you have wounds, to minimise the risk of contracting leptospirosis, say public health experts.
“Do not wade, swim or put your head in floodwaters or in the lakes, rivers and swamps,” said Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a health economics and public health specialist with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Her warning came following reports of leptospirosis in Johor, which also led to the closure of the Gunung Ledang National Park from June 27 to July 10.
Johor National Parks Corporation said the move was taken for public safety and to facilitate public cleansing.
According to the state’s Health Department website, Johor had recorded 216 cases of the bacterial infection as of June 15 this year.
Leptospirosis reports were also filed in Kedah. As of June 8, there were 105 cases with one fatality.
Prof Sharifa Ezat said floods, stagnant water, improper waste disposal, farming and water recreational activities could encourage rat infestation.
“If it is not possible to avoid wading in floodwaters or other water bodies, use protective clothing like footwear and cover the wounds with waterproof bandages or dressing,” she said.
She said those in the agricultural sector, livestock handlers, military and rescue personnel as well as sewerage, pet shop and disaster relief workers are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
“People involved with outdoor and recreational activities are also at risk,” said Prof Sharifa Ezat, who also warned that the public can get infected by ingesting contaminated food or water.
“Make water safe to drink by boiling or using an appropriate chemical treatment.
“We also need to control rodents, keep our garbage disposal area clean and manage other wildlife around the home and environment,” she added.
According to the Health Ministry’s data, Kelantan had the highest leptospirosis cases in 2022, with a rate of 30.7 per 100,000 population, followed by Sarawak (18.6), Negri Sembilan (15.2), Terengganu (12.2) and Kedah (11).
In terms of the number of cases, Kelantan, too, recorded the highest at 561, followed by Selangor (528) and Sarawak (528).
Prof Sharifa Ezat said animals can spread the bacteria through their urine, stool or saliva.
“The infected animals urinate, the bacteria get into the water or soil and can live there for weeks to months.
“Animals that can be infected are mammals including rodents like rats, mice and squirrels, cows, goats, pigs, horses and wildlife,” she said, adding the Veterinary Services Department offers a leptospirosis vaccine for dogs.
On the symptoms, Prof Sharifa Ezat pointed out that some patients could be asymptomatic.
“When symptoms occur, they can include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and sometimes, a rash.
“Without proper treatment with antibiotics, people with leptospirosis may develop serious problems in their kidneys, liver or lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
“In some cases, leptospirosis can be fatal,” she added.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s public health medicine expert Prof Dr Malina Osman said for now, leptospirosis vaccine is only meant for animals.
“However, certain antibiotics like vibramycin may be prescribed as chemoprophylaxis for certain conditions,” she said, advising those with cuts or wounds to avoid high-risk areas.
“As far as possible, avoid any contact with water and soil or leptospirosis hotspots, while recreational activities should also be stopped,” she said.
Those working at bodies of water need to wear protective gear like goggles, waterproof suits, shoes or boots, she said, adding that signs of infection may mimic other viral fevers or dengue such as high-grade fever, lethargy, and joint and muscle pain.
Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said more campaigns are needed to create awareness on the disease.
“Good maintenance of recreational and food premises is needed, as well as better environmental and pest control throughout the country.
“Early detection of the disease can help prevent wider infections,” he said.
