33 Individuals Suspected Of Contracting Leptospirosis After Visiting Melaka Hot Spring
Victims reported experiencing fever, cough, cold, and body aches after visiting the hot spring.
By Aqasha Nur’aiman — 13 Jun 2024, 11:43 AM
A total of 33 individuals, including students and teachers from a school in Melaka, are suspected of contracting leptospirosis after visiting a hot spring last week
According to Harian Metro, Melaka Health Director Dr Ruzita Mustaffa said that on 7 June, the Melaka Tengah District Health Office (PKD) was notified of a group of students who fell ill after participating in a therapy programme at the hot spring two days prior.
"PKD Melaka Tengah was informed that 78 participants, including students, teachers, parents, and guardians, took part in the programme.
"However, 27 individuals, including 15 students, nine teachers, and three guardians, experienced symptoms of fever, cough, cold, and body aches," she said.
She added that five of them, including one guardian and four students, were admitted to Hospital Melaka for further treatment and are in stable condition, while the remaining symptomatic cases received outpatient care at Ayer Keroh Health Clinic.
Dr Ruzita also said that six new cases of the disease were detected among the general public who visited the hot spring in Melaka between 7 and 11 June
She added that clinical samples from patients were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory (MKAK) in Sungai Buloh for leptospirosis confirmation tests.
A risk assessment of the hot spring also revealed that the surrounding environment was conducive to the spread of leptospirosis.
Environmental samples were also delivered to MKAK Sungai Buloh for confirmation testing. As a precautionary measure, the recreational centre where the hot spring is located has been closed for 14 days beginning on 8 June.
"The operators were instructed to clean the pool and change the water on a regular and scheduled basis to maintain cleanliness, and to ensure that there is no infestation of rats or other disease-carrying animals.
"The state health department will continue monitoring the latest developments of the suspected leptospirosis cluster and enhance preparations for implementing prevention and control measures in cooperation with all related agencies," she said.
Dr Ruzita also advised the public to maintain cleanliness when visiting recreational centres and to seek immediate treatment at nearby health facilities if they become symptomatic.
