The Star

Monday, 30/05/2011

Drop in leptospirosis cases in Perak this year

TAIPING: Perak has recorded a significant Dr.op in leptospirosis cases this year.

State Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr. Mah Hang Soon said 51 positive cases were reported so far this year.

"We received 91 reports of suspected cases up to this month. However, further tests revealed 40 of the cases were negative," he said after visiting those suspected to be suffering from leptospirosis at Taiping Hospital here on Saturday.

No leptospirosis-related deaths had been reported in the state this year, he added.

Dr.. Mah noted that 319 cases with 19 deaths were reported in Perak last year.

He said the health authorities viewed the infectious disease seriously and would increase efforts to trace the outbreak.

Dr. Mah said among the main symptoms for leptospirosis were high fever and muscle aches.

He warned that one could suffer from jaundice, kidney failure, meningitis and even death if not treated.

"If a person has a fever which persists for two weeks, he should seek immediate treatment," he said.

Dr. Mah added that the disease could be curable if the patient sought prompt treatment.

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