Leptospirosis Risk In North and North East Of Thailand

A grave warning from the Department of Diseases Control (DDC) has raised concerns for people affected by recent floods over much or the north and north east of Thailand.

As waters recede, the DDC have announced that cases of leptospirosis are likely to increase across the north east of the nation.

So far in 2017, 674 cases have been reported, resulting in ten deaths in the region alone.

Provinces most at risk are thought to be Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani.

Leptospirosis is transmitted in the urine of mammals, which are infected. It is contagious as long as the urine is still moist. One of the most common creatures who carry the disease are rats and of course when floods occur, the rats are more prevalent and their urine is carried in the floodwaters.

Other animals that can pass the disease on to humans are dogs, cows and pigs. With the amount of wild street dogs in Thailand, they could in fact be responsible for spreading the bacteria to humans.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills, intense head and muscle aches, stomach pains, rash and can lead to meningitis.

Sufferers who enter the second phase of the illness could suffer from jaundice, liver damage, kidney failure, internal bleeding and problems breathing. If you are ill and suffering from the initial symptoms, it is highly recommended that you contact a doctor immediately.

Treatment is by a range of medicines if caught early but hospitalisation is likely if the victim enters the secondary stages of the disease.

Source: ThaiPBS

Content: TPVS