Be careful at natural water spots, says Health Ministry

Everyone loves a good dip at the waterfalls every now and then, but these days, the risk is clear.

The Health Ministry has alerted parents and school children to be extra careful about not contracting the highly infectious leptospirosis disease during picnics at waterfalls, ponds and other natural water spots. 

A report by The Star Online’s Nicholas Cheng said that 2,200 people have been infected this year, with 14 outbreaks in total. 

Figures from the ministry, quoted in the report, stated that recreational spots made up 32 percent and 22 percent of these outbreaks in the past two years.

The risk is real: just a single gulp of water from a river, pond or waterfall, coming into contact with soil or swimming in natural water spots with small open wounds can cause an infection, the report said.

Last year alone, 78 people reportedly died from the disease.

Health deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman was quoted as saying that at least 11 percent of the 71 natural water spots tested this year showed traces the disease.

More alarmingly, a negative test result does not guarantee that the location was free from leptospirosis, he was quoted further.

“Poor cleanliness/sanitation in recreational areas may increase the risk of contamination,” he reportedly said adding that food scraps left by tourists become food sources for rats and other wildlife which then cause the natural water sites to become contaminated by their droppings.

READ: Teenager in Kedah hospitalised for suspected rat urine disease 

READ: Student dies of rat urine disease after taking a dip at a park



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