Rodent infestation in the city have caused the number of leptospirosis cases in Kuala Lumpur to swell, with Titiwangsa and Kepong recording the most cases – 131 and 87 respectively – this year.
Health Ministry Disease Control Division director Dr Chong Chee Kheong told The Star Online’s Shalini Ravindran that while the number of cases was alarming, it could also be attributed to greater understanding of the disease which could give way to higher quality diagnoses and reporting.
“Other factors may include poor waste disposal or as a result of more exposure to ecotourism activities,” he told The Star Online.
But the bottom line, Dr Chong said, was to reduce the rodent population in the city and the only way to do it was to maintain cleanliness.
“Regular and proper garbage disposal, waste management as well as good drainage system are vital measures that should be undertaken by local councils. Cleanliness makes a difference,” he was quoted as saying.
