KUALA TEENGGANU: With the east coast peninsula states facing the annual monsoon floods, they have been warned to be wary of the deadly leptospirosis disease.
State health director Dr Mohd Jusoh advised the public to avoid contact with flood waters which can be contaminated with rat urine that spreads leptospirosis.
Among the measures to be taken, he said, were to wash the hands with clean water and soap, especially when preparing food, before eating and after visiting the toilet
“Ensure food is washed properly and cooked thoroughly. Drink only boiled water or bottled water.
“Do not use flood water to wash cooking or eating utensils, fruits or vegetables,” he said.
Dr Mohd also advised the public to wear protective gear such as gloves and boots to ensure the skin, especially if there are cuts, wounds and ulcers, did not come into direct contact with flood waters.
“Please wash the contacted area or take a bath with soap and clean water as soon as possible,” he said.
Children were told not to play in the flood waters and adults were asked to keep flood relief centres clean.
“Avoid being injured when undertaking cleaning duties, even after the floods have subsided.
“Wear protective gear such as gloves and boots to prevent yourself from contracting any infectious disease such as leptospirosis and meliodosis.
“Please take a bath with soap and clean water as soon as possible, after the cleaning session,” said Dr Mohd.
He added one should seek immediate medical attention if there were symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, jaundice, haemorrhage in the skin and mucous membranes, diarrhoea, vomiting or any rash.
The public were also advised to wash the cap of canned or bottled drinks bought from supermarkets and grocery stores, before drinking for fear they might be contaminated with urine of infected rats.
“Although there are no documented cases of leptospirosis being spread by drinking from canned drinks or bottles, it is a good practice to clean the cap of canned or bottled drinks.
“If the canned drinks or bottles are not properly stored, its surfaces may be contaminated with urine of infected rats,” said Dr Mohd.