Selangor: Laboratory tests have confirmed that a patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in Selangor on July 7 with suspected leptospirosis did not contract the disease, the Selangor State Health Department (JKNS) said today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JKNS reported that the patient is now in stable condition and has been transferred to a general ward for further treatment. This confirmation dismisses viral social media claims linking the case to a recreational water site in the state.
The department disclosed that 127 laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis cases were reported across several districts in Selangor between 2024 and this year. No specific distribution pattern has been identified, and no deaths have been recorded.
"Of the total, 26 cases, or 21 per cent, were linked to recreational water activities," the statement noted. This clarification was issued following social media messages claiming a leptospirosis case had originated from a recreational water area in Selangor.
The statement also identified three recreational water sites in Selangor frequently associated with leptospirosis cases: Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Kanching in Gombak, Sungai Congkak Waterfall in Hulu Langat, and Sungai Ulu Yam in Hulu Selangor.
JKNS highlighted that District Health Offices (PKD) had implemented preventive measures. These include conducting risk assessments, collecting water and soil samples for laboratory analysis, and ensuring warning signs were provided by local authorities or premises operators.
The PKD also performs regular environmental cleaning to reduce the risk of leptospirosis transmission at recreational sites.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that can spread from animals to humans, with rats being the primary carriers. Infection can occur through exposure to contaminated water, soil, or food, especially through skin wounds or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. The public is advised to maintain cleanliness at recreational areas.
Members of the public are also advised not to litter, to refrain from water activities if they have open wounds or to cover such wounds with waterproof dressings, to avoid playing in or wading through stagnant water especially after floods, and to refrain from drinking or using untreated river water.
Immediate medical examination and treatment are recommended at the nearest healthcare facility if symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea develop after visiting recreational water sites.
JKNS added that it would continue to closely monitor the leptospirosis situation in Selangor and implement control and preventive measures with relevant agencies to minimise the risk of disease transmission.