KUALA TERENGGANU: The East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) today advised people to avoid exposing themselves to floodwaters for too long or often to prevent contracting leptospirosis, or rat urine disease.

According to ESERI, which is based at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, floodwaters are often contaminated with all kinds of bacteria.

Its director, Assoc Prof Dr Hafizan Juahir, said the bacteria can enter the human body through cuts or cavities, or if a person accidentally drinks the water.

“Ensure that food waste and refuse are placed in closed containers, such as rubbish bins or plastic. Food waste and refuse can attract disease-bearing animals to homes, especially in flood-hit areas,” he said to Bernama.

He said studies conducted on cases of leptospirosis showed that clinical characteristics and environmental and socio-economic factors are closely associated with the disease.

“Leptospirosis has been recognised as a global public health problem because of the rising rate of epidemics and cases in developing countries.

“An outbreak of the disease usually occurs after a flood caused by heavy seasonal rain, like what is happening now in our country,” he said.

Hafizan said epidemiological studies showed that infection is usually associated with farmers, sewerage workers, veterinarians and handlers of certain animals.

“Leptospirosis can also be contracted during recreational activities such as picnics, swimming and canoeing,” he added.

He said that in 2005, some 100 people died of leptospirosis in two days after a major flood in Mumbai, India.

“The early symptoms of leptospirosis are usually fever, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, cold, vomiting, dyspnea (laboured breathing) and jaundice,” he said.

Hafizan said dogs and rats are the main carriers of the infection for humans, especially in the rainy season and in flooded areas.

He advised people suffering from the symptoms to seek medical treatment immediately, as any delay could result in the risk of death. — BERNAMA