CHIANG RAI – The Ministry of Public Health is warning the public to be cautious of leptospirosis during rainy season, especially patients with diabetes, and should avoid exposing wounds to water. There are 861 patients in 61 provinces found with the disease during the past seven months, including seven people who have died. Most patients have come from the South.
According to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Narong Sahametapat, leptospirosis is a disease commonly found during rainy season every year, and is different from common colds, influenza and dengue fever. Leptospirosis also known as “rat catcher’s yellows,” and is an infection caused by bacteria which affects both humans and mammals such as rats, dogs, cats, pigs, cows, horses, goats and sheep.
Humans can become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment, which occurs more often during rainy season. The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, and can lead to patients’ deaths, despite available medications. According to Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, the disease has mostly spread in Satun, Yala and Ranong.
At present, the provincial public health offices are providing information to people in order to help prevent them from getting the disease. For those who would like to know more information, contact the Bureau of General Communicable Department at 0 2590 3177 – 8 and 0 2590 3183 or Disease Control Department at 1422. – See more at: http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNSOC5707200010008#sthash.ZWKmR6mk.dpuf