Warning as leptospirosis claims 29 lives
The Public Health Ministry has warned people of the dangers of leptospirosis this rainy season, after 1,362 reports of sufferers and 29 fatalities from the disease in the year to July 29.
Disease Control Department chief Dr Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk said about half of the patients were from the Northeast, with 674 cases and 10 deaths.
The top five Northeastern provinces for leptospirosis cases were Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin and Ubon Ratchathani, he added.
The symptoms of leptospirosis, which usually develop abruptly 7-14 days after exposure to the leptospira bacteria, included fever, muscle pain, a short-term rash, sudden headaches, eye redness and irritation, and a cough.
If left untreated, it can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up blood, shock or unconsciousness, kidney or liver failure, and death.
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