Rat urine disease a threat in floodwaters

KUALA TERENGGANU: The East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) yesterday advised people to avoid spending too much time in floodwaters to prevent contracting leptospirosis, or rat urine disease.

ESERI, which is based at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, said floodwaters were often contaminated with bacteria.

Its director, Associate Professor Dr Hafizan Juahir, said bacteria could enter the body through cuts or cavities, or by accidentally drinking contaminated water.

“Food waste and rubbish should be placed in closed containers, such as rubbish bins or plastic bags.

“They can attract disease-bearing animals, especially in flood-hit areas.”

He said studies on cases of leptospirosis showed that clinical characteristics, and environmental and socio-economic factors were linked to the disease.

“It has been recognised as a global public health problem because of the rising number of leptospirosis cases in developing countries.

“Outbreaks of the disease usually occur after heavy rain and flooding, like what is happening now in our country.”

Hafizan said epidemiological studies showed that farmers, sewerage workers, veterinarians and handlers of certain animals were usually infected with the disease.

“Leptospirosis can also be contracted during recreational activities, such as picnics, swimming and canoeing.”

He said in 2005, some 100 people died of leptospirosis in two days after a major flood in Mumbai, India.

Hafizan said dogs and rats were the main carriers of the disease.

“Early symptoms of leptospirosis are fever, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, cold, vomiting, dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing) and jaundice.”

He advised people having the symptoms to seek treatment immediately as any delay in treatment could be fatal. Bernama