Thailand’s Dept of Disease Control Warns Northern Residents About Leptospirosis

Anyone experiencing symptoms of severe headache and muscle aches should seek medical attention.

CHIANG RAI – The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is campaigning to prevent leptospirosis, an infectious bacterial disease prevalent during the rainy season.

The department recently held an academic conference with related agencies on how to monitor, diagnose and prevent the disease. The department chief revealed that leptospirosis is commonly found in mammals such as rodents, cows, pigs, dogs and cats and can be transmitted to humans through water and mud.

The DDC has therefore advised residents in flood-prone areas to beware of water-borne infections.

According to Thailand’s leptospirosis association, preventative measures include pest control for rodents in residential areas and thoroughly cleaning oneself after contact with floodwaters.

Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of severe headache and muscle aches should seek medical attention.