The Ministry of Public Health has warned members of the public to protect themselves from leptospirosis during the ongoing rainy season by avoiding puddles and mud.
The disease is called “loke khai chee nuu” (disease of rat urine) in Thai. It principally comes from rat urine but is also present in dogs, cats, cows and goats.
The Ministry of Public Health has warned members of the public to protect themselves from leptospirosis during the ongoing rainy season by avoiding puddles and mud.
The disease is called “loke khai chee nuu” (disease of rat urine) in Thai. It principally comes from rat urine but is also present in dogs, cats, cows, goats and sheep.
Agricultural workers are particularly susceptible when wading through flood waters and mud.
The disease is called “loke khai chee nuu” (disease of rat urine) in Thai.
Agricultural workers are particularly susceptible after wading through flood waters and mud. Spending a lot of time around animals, and mostly outdoors, increases the chances of infection.
Leptospirosis is a contagious disease that can affect both humans and animals, including pet dogs. It’s spread by infection with Leptospira, bacterial pathogens that can cause liver and kidney disease in dogs.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans from the genus Leptospira family of bacteria. The infection is carried in the animals’ kidneys and get mixed in the soil and water through their urine.
The germ can then enter through skin breaks in the form of scratches, open wounds or dry areas. The bacteria also enter through the nose, mouth, or genitals.
Leptospirosis is found in the warmer climates and is common in southeast Asia, Central and south America, the Caribbean, Australia and Africa.
The signs and symptoms of leptospirosis which usually develop abruptly 7-14 days after exposure to the leptospira bacteria. They are flu-like and include fever, muscle pain, a short-term rash, sudden headaches, eye redness and irritation, and a cough.
A simple blood test to check antibodies helps detect the disease. However, a second test is also done after a week to confirm the presence of the bacterium.
After the tests confirm leptospirosis, the disease is cured by antibiotics such as penicillin or doxycycline. Ibuprofen is also prescribed for fever and pain. The disease stays for a week and subsides with time and medication. Hospitalisation may be required for patients who have severe conditions, as the severity may lead to kidney failure, lung problems and meningitis or even death sometimes.
If left untreated, it can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up blood, shock or unconsciousness, kidney or liver failure, and death.
Ways to avoid the disease are not to wade unprotected through water and mud, wear gloves and boots, eradicate mice and rats and maintain hand washing and cleanliness especially after contact with water and mud.
Dr Sukhum Kanchanaphimai said there had been eight deaths from the disease in the period from January to May 24th.
More cases are expected now that the rainy season is beginning to bite in Thailand.
d sheep.
Agricultural workers are particularly susceptible after wading through flood waters and mud. Spending a lot of time around animals, and mostly outdoors, increases the chances of infection.
Leptospirosis is a contagious disease that can affect both humans and animals, including pet dogs. It’s bacterial pathogens that can cause liver and kidney disease in dogs.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans from the genus Leptospira family of bacteria. The infection is carried in the animals’ kidneys and get mixed in the soil and water through their urine.
The germ can enter through skin breaks in the form of scratches, open wounds or dry areas. The bacteria also enter through the nose, mouth, or genitals.
Leptospirosis is found in the warmer climates and is common in southeast Asia, Central and south America, the Caribbean, Australia and Africa.
The signs and symptoms of leptospirosis usually develop abruptly 7-14 days after exposure to the leptospira bacteria. They are flu-like and include fever, muscle pain, a short-term rash, sudden headaches, eye redness and irritation, and a cough.
A simple blood test to check antibodies helps detect the disease. However, a second test is also done after a week to confirm the presence of the bacterium.
After the tests confirm leptospirosis, the disease is cured by antibiotics such as penicillin or doxycycline. Ibuprofen is also prescribed for fever and pain. The disease stays for a week and subsides with time and medication. Hospitalisation may be required for patients who have severe conditions, as the severity may lead to kidney failure, lung problems and meningitis or even death sometimes.
If left untreated, it can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up blood, shock or unconsciousness, kidney or liver failure, and death.
Ways to avoid the disease are not to wade unprotected through water and mud, wear gloves and boots, eradicate mice and rats and maintain hand washing and cleanliness especially after contact with water and mud.
Dr Sukhum Kanchanaphimai said there had been eight deaths from the disease in the period from January to May 24th.
More cases are expected now that the rainy season is beginning to bite in Thailand.
