Public alerted to be cautious of leptospirosis, especially patients with diabetes

BANGKOK, 20 July 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health is warning the public to be cautious of leptospirosis during rainy season, especially patients with diabetes, and should avoid exposing wounds to water. There are 861 patients in 61 provinces found with the disease during the past seven months, including seven people who have died. Most patients have come from the South.

According to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Narong Sahametapat, leptospirosis is a disease commonly found during rainy season every year, and is different from common colds, influenza and dengue fever. Leptospirosis also known as “rat catcher’s yellows,” and is an infection caused by bacteria which affects both humans and mammals such as rats, dogs, cats, pigs, cows, horses, goats and sheep.

Read more: NNT

National News Bureau Of Thailand