Leptospirosis Surge After Floods: Health Ministry Issues Warning

The Disease Control Department warned on September 28 about a surge in leptospirosis cases linked to flooding. Dr. Manthian Khamasawat, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, reported that cases from January to September 2025 reached 3,303 patients with 46 deaths. The highest infection rates were among people aged 60 and above, followed by those aged 50–59 and 40–49. Agricultural workers face the greatest risk due to occupational exposure to soil, water, and wet environments.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals including rats, dogs, cattle, buffalo, and pigs. The bacteria enters the body through wounds, soft skin after prolonged water contact, or the eyes, nose, and mouth when people are exposed to contaminated water, soil, or mud—especially when wading through floodwaters or cleaning homes after flooding.

Symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches (particularly severe in the legs and calves), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and red eyes. The department urges anyone experiencing these symptoms after water contact to seek medical care immediately and inform doctors of their water exposure history. Early treatment with antibiotics significantly improves recovery rates. Most deaths occur when patients seek treatment too late.

Dr. Direk Khamphaen, Deputy Director-General, recommended prevention measures: avoid wading through mud or prolonged water exposure; wear boots or plastic covers if necessary; wash hands frequently and bathe immediately after work or water contact; keep homes and surroundings clean to prevent rat infestations; and seek immediate medical attention for fever, headaches, or muscle pain following water or mud exposure, informing doctors of the exposure history. For more information, call the Disease Control Department hotline at 1422.