BANGKOK, 12 June 2012 -The Public Health Office in Surin province has alerted locals residents to an outbreak of leptospirosis during the rainy season, which has already killed 17 people so far this year.
Dr. Sa-ard Weerajaroen of Surin’s Public Health Office said that farmers, especially rice growers, are among those at risks of contracting the deadly disease on the job. Leptospirosis is commonly found in rats’ and other animals such as cows, and buffaloes’ urine.
He explained further that during the first half of this year, 722 have fallen ill after being exposed to the disease. He said Leptospirosis can enter human body via his or her mouth or through a small cut on the skin. According to him, even healthy skin can be penetrable by the disease if submerged for a long period in contaminated water.
The doctor further stated that during the first week after receiving Leptospirosis, patients will develop a high fever, a headache, and muscle pains particularly in his or her calves.
Those who are experiencing such symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately. They should not rely on over-the-counter medicines, given the lack of proper medical care might permit complications to manifest themselves, consequently resulting in death.
The majority of patients, or 59% of the total number of patients, are found in the north-eastern region of Thailand.
