‘S’wak has second highest number of leptospirosis cases’
MIRI: Sarawak recorded the second highest number of leptospirosis cases in the country, with 657 cases reported between Jan 1 and Sep 28 this year.
This shows an increase of 38 cases or 6.1 per cent over the same period last year.
State Health Department director Dr Nordin Salleh thus reminded the public to take extra precautions against leptospirosis, which is also known as rat urine disease.
“It is transmitted by both wild animals including rats and domestic animals. But the most common animals that spread the disease are rats or rodents. It is often transmitted by animal urine or by water or soil containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in the skin, eyes, mouth or nose,” said Dr Nordin at a press conference after officiating at the presentation of the statelevel Blue Ribbon Award here yesterday.
He was representing the State Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim.
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak chief executive officer Rashidah Bolhassan, Malaysia Health Promotion Board (MySihat) chief executive officer Mohd Zaki Abdul Rahim, acting Miri Division health officer Dr Veronica Lugah and Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong attended the press conference.
It is transmitted by both wild animals including rats and domestic animals. But the most common animals that spread the disease are rats or rodents. It is often transmitted by animal urine or by water or soil containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in the skin, eyes, mouth or nose. Dr Nordin Salleh, State Health Department director
Dr Nordin was asked to comment on the seriousness of leptospirosis in the state, which claimed the life of its latest victim, a staff of Radio Television Malaysia ( RTM) Miri, on Monday (Sept 26).
He said a total of five fatalities were reported with positive leptospirosis this year, however, the deaths were not directly due to leptospira infection.
He said although currently there were only sporadic cases of leptospirosis in the state, every care must be taken by everyone to prevent infection.
He pointed out that Sibu District recorded many cases from logging camps because of sanitation and hygiene problems caused by leftover food thrown in the open that attracted many rats.
Giving a breakdown, he said from January 1 to September 28 this year, Sibu accounted for 79 cases, the third highest after Kapit ( 90), Kuching ( 80), Miri ( 59) and Bintulu ( 33 cases). He said other cases by district were Lundu (15), Bau (17), Samarahan (15), Asajaya ( 3), Simunjan ( 21), Serian (18), Sri Aman ( 24), Lubok Antu ( 28), Betong ( 31), Saratok ( 3), Sarikei (5), Meradong (2), Pakan (3), Julau (7), Daro (12), Matu ( 3), Dalat(4), Mukah (10), Kanowit (21), Selangau (11), Song (14), Belaga ( 8), Tatau (3), Marudi (13), Limbang (8) and Lawas (11).
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by corkscrew- shaped bacteria called Leptospira. Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild such as headache, muscle pain and fever to severe bleeding from the lungs or meningitis.
For treatment, antibiotics are usually prescribed as soon as possible after diagnosis while the best way to prevent leptospirosis is to avoid contact with potentially infected animals and contaminated soil and water.
The public are advised to avoid swimming or entering water that might be contaminated with animal urine while those who work with animals should wear protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, footwear and others, and adhere to strict hygiene and cleanliness, including meticulous hand washing after exposure to animals.