Take note, people! The deadly leptospirosis (rat urine disease) is apparently on a rise especially in the state of Johor. Yes, it can result in death! Humans often contract this disease when they come into contact with contaminated water, soil, food.
Source: Sitaph
According to The Star, Johor has documented as many as 222 cases this month compared to 205 cases last year. Not only that, the number of deaths had increased from 9 to 13 from 2016.
There were a few major factors that contributed to this dangerous disease. One of them was due to the recent flash floods that had hit Johor in June.
Source: Straits Times
In addition, the spread of leptospirosis is also due to bodies of water being dirtied by irresponsible humans. For example, when people visited recreational forests or parks with waterfalls, ponds and lakes they tend to have a tidak apa attitude.
They would often ignore signs telling them to keep the place clean and still continue to drop their litter here and there. Often, these dirty surroundings would encourage rodents and pests to breed which then increase the risk of the dangerous disease. Where’s our civic-mindedness?
Source: The Star
Residents in housing estates as well as hawkers and visitors to recreational parks are reminded to not dump their rubbish and food waste into monsoon drains and waterways. Also, to not blame the authorities if exposed to the dangerous disease.
Some of the common symptoms of this disease are stomach ache, flu and fever which could be fatal if left untreated. Other than leptospirosis, several other typical post-flood diseases are cholera, typhoid, dengue and melioidosis which are also being monitored by the State Health Department.
Come on Malaysians, we can be better than this! Do whatever you can to keep this disease from spreading. Don’t litter!
Also read: 18-year-old Malaysian Teen Dies After Returning from Waterfall Trip
