Nakhon Ratchasima, The Disease Control Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima warns that during this period of heavy rain, avoid wading through water and mud, which is a high risk of contracting Leptospirosis. It was revealed that in the first half of the year, almost 1,500 people have been sick, with 17 deaths. The tendency is that the number of people sick will increase during the rainy season.Dr. Thaweechai Visanuyothin, Director of the Disease Control Office 9, Nakhon Ratchasima, revealed that there has been continuous heavy rain recently. Some areas have experienced flash floods and standing water, which poses a risk of diseases and health hazards that come with the rainy season.In addition to respiratory diseases such as influenza and COVID-19, there are also diseases transmitted by contact, such as hand, foot and mouth disease, melioidosis or soil fever, and leptospirosis or rat urine disease. Because the weather is very humid, germs grow quickly. If you do not protect yourself and take care of your health , you are at risk of getting sick and easily catching germs.The situation of Leptospirosis from January 1 - June 27, 2024 or about half a year, found 1,458 patients and 17 deaths. Most patients are working-age people. The age group with the most patients is the 45-54 age group, followed by the 55-64 age group. Most patients are farmers, up to 33.5%.Leptospirosis is caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria that is contaminated with the urine of animals that carry the disease, such as rats, pigs, cows, buffalo, and dogs. Rainwater washes the germs into water sources. If we walk barefoot, do not wear boots, use plastic bags to cover our shoes, or wear protective equipment, the germs can enter through soft skin, wounds, or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.Symptoms after infection for about 1-2 weeks will start with fever, headache, body aches, muscle aches, especially in the calves or thighs. Later, there may be red eyes, yellow body, yellow eyes, little urine output, coughing u p blood, until eventually death if not treated or receiving treatment is delayed. The initial symptoms of leptospirosis are similar to other infectious diseases such as the flu. Many patients have been found to be delayed in seeking treatment because they bought their own medicine, risking death from this disease.Source: Thai News Agency