Disease Control Department Warns of Leptospirosis After Flooding Seek Care if High Fever or Red Eyes Occur

The Department of Disease Control has issued a warning about rising risks of leptospirosis in flood-affected areas, urging the public to stay vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, red eyes, muscle pain, and vomiting after exposure to floodwater or contaminated soil. Immediate medical attention is advised.

On 1 December 2025, the Department of Disease Control reported that disease control teams, along with vector-borne disease units and regional disease prevention offices in Ratchaburi, Chonburi, and Songkhla, conducted operations in Hat Yai District to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and other disease-carrying vectors.
A total of 62 personnel were deployed—divided into 12 teams—to carry out operations in six communities. Equipment included 39 backpack sprayers and seven vehicle-mounted ULV fogging machines. The teams have been working since 29 November.

The Department emphasized strict adherence to personal protective measures to reduce the risk of mosquito- and insect-borne diseases. Recommended precautions include:

1. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites

2. Using insect repellents, including herbal-based repellents

3. Using mosquito nets or electric mosquito swatters

4. Seeking medical attention immediately if high fever persists for more than two days, or if rashes, red spots, headaches, body aches, nausea, or vomiting occur

The Department also warned that leptospirosis cases typically increase after floodwaters recede. The disease is commonly transmitted when bacteria found in water or soil contaminated with urine from rats or domestic animals enter the body through wounds or skin exposed to water. Symptoms to watch for include sudden high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain—especially in the calves—red eyes, nausea, and vomiting.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately and inform healthcare providers about recent exposure to floodwater. Without timely treatment, the disease can progress to serious complications such as kidney failure, liver failure, or pulmonary hemorrhage, requiring urgent hospital care.

The Department advised the public to follow these preventive measures:

          1.Avoid wading through floodwater; if unavoidable, wear boots and gloves

          2.Avoid direct contact with soil or mud

          3.Shower and clean the body immediately after exposure

          4.Visit a healthcare facility promptly if fever or abnormal symptoms develop after water exposure
            For more information, the public may contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

 

 

source:  www.thaihealth.or.th