Thailand’s Disease Control Department is alerting the public to a rapid rise in cases of Leptospirosis and Melioidosis during the rainy season and floods. They are bacterial infections to which children are particularly prone and which require close monitoring.
Dr. Weerawat Manosuthi stated that there were about 6,000 cases of these diseases reported, with 119 deaths, in the first 9 months of this year.
Leptospirosis can be contracted from carrier animals, including rats, pigs, cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and dogs. The bacteria can enter the body through wounds, abrasions or skin that has been submerged in dirty water for prolonged periods.
Since the start of this year, at least 2,926 cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Thailand. More than 66% were farmers, who have direct contact with water and mud. The fatalities are often due to delayed medical consultation or self-medication.
People aged 55-64 are the group most often diagnosed with the disease. Children are also at risk of infection from staying in floodwater, so parents are advised to monitor them closely during the floods.
The Director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Dr. Akkaratan Chitnuyanan, explained that patients are presenting with a high fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and eye irritation.
The other disease of current concern is Melioidosis. The bacteria can be found in soil and water and can infect people through direct contact with either for prolonged periods, by consuming contaminated food or water, or by inhaling soil dust. About 76.7% of these patients are farmers.
Between January and the end of September, 2,881 cases of Melioidosis were been reported, including 90 deaths.
Both diseases can be prevented by following these measures:
- Avoid staying in water for extended periods or wading into water and mud with bare feet. Wash your body immediately after getting out of the water to reduce exposure to the disease.
- Ensure you drink clean water and eat freshly and fully cooked food.
- Keep living areas clean and dispose of food waste in tightly tied bags, to prevent disease vectors.
If you experience a high fever, headache and muscle pain for more than a couple of days, see a doctor immediately to prevent further complications or worse.
