MELAKA: A group of students and teachers, consisting of 33 people, from a school in the Melaka Tengah district are suspected of being infected with Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat urine disease after visiting Jasin Hot Springs last week. The infected people have experienced symptoms like fever, cough, cold, and muscle aches after undergoing water therapy at the hot springs two days earlier, as informed by Melaka Health Director of PKD, Dr Ruzita Mustaffa on June 7th.
“The Melaka Tengah PKD has reported that 78 participants including students, teachers, parents, and guardians, attended the program at Jasin Hot Springs. However, 27 people, comprising 15 students, nine teachers, and three guardians, exhibited symptoms,“ she stated in a statement today, mentioning that one guardian and four students were admitted to Melaka Hospital for further treatment.
Dr Ruzita said that the patients were in stable condition, while the rest received outpatient treatment at Ayer Keroh Health Clinic.
Leptospirosis Outbreak
Between June 7 and yesterday, six new cases of the same infection have been identified among members of the public who visited the hot springs. The clinical samples from the patients had been sent to the Sungai Buloh Public Health Laboratory (MKAK) for testing purposes, she added.
Dr. Ruzita indicates that a risk assessment conducted at the hot springs revealed conditions favorable for the spread of Leptospirosis. Also, she announced that the recreational center will be closed for 14 days, starting from June 8th as a precautionary measure to prevent further potential cases of Leptospirosis infection among visitors.
Health Measures Recommended By Dr. Ruzita
“The operators have been directed to do cleaning duties and replace the pool water regularly as per the schedule, maintain cleanliness, and ensure there is no infestation of rats or other disease-carrying animals.
She stated, “The State Health Department will continue to monitor the latest developments of this suspected Leptospirosis cluster and enhance preparedness in implementing preventive and control measures in collaboration with all relevant agencies”
When visiting recreational centers, she advised the public to maintain cleanliness and to seek immediate medical treatment if they experience symptoms after their visit.
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