Stop playing in floodwaters, it’s a breeding ground for diseases, warn health experts
PETALING JAYA: Managing diseases during the flood season is a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to leptospirosis, because its symptoms resemble those of other infections, health experts say.
Universiti Putra Malaysia medical epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman said leptospirosis often “mimics” illnesses like dengue and typhoid.
“We need time to confirm the diagnosis and identify carriers in the community,” she said, adding that Hepatitis A is also a concern as its symptoms usually appear one to two months after infection.
Dr Malina said individuals experiencing abdominal symptoms, high-grade fever, blood in the stool, severe dehydration, or jaundice should seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate serious infections.
Malaysia Public Health Physicians’ Association president Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman also said it is difficult to diagnose leptospirosis.
“This similarity can delay both diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
“In severe cases, leptospirosis can cause kidney or liver failure, requiring intensive care.
“After floods, we must also watch for melioidosis, especially in individuals with diabetes,” he said.
Dr Jamalludin warned that cholera is the deadliest disease linked to floodwater exposure, as it can cause rapid dehydration and severe electrolyte imbalances.
These warnings come in response to viral videos and pictures earlier this month showing families allowing their children to play in floodwaters, despite repeated health advisories from authorities.
Dr Malina warned that prolonged or intentional exposure to floodwaters significantly raises the risk of infections, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“Stress during flood season also weakens immune responses, further increasing susceptibility to infections,” she said.
Dr Jamalludin said floodwaters are often contaminated with a mixture of sewage, industrial waste and animal waste, exposing individuals to harmful pathogens.
He added that there are also risks posed by chemical hazards such as pesticides, oils, and heavy metals, which can cause skin irritation and toxic effects.
“Physical injuries from submerged sharp debris can lead to wounds that increase the risk of tetanus and infections,” he said.
Additionally, floods often contaminate food and water supplies, increasing the risk of diseases such as gastroenteritis and hepatitis.
“Hepatitis A and E are linked to consuming contaminated food or water, while skin infections like cellulitis and fungal infections result from prolonged exposure to dirty water,” Dr Jamalludin explained.
Floodwaters also create mosquito breeding grounds, leading to higher risks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria in some areas.
According to a Health Ministry report, gastroenteritis is another common issue during floods.
Dr Malina said gastroenteritis refers to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, with or without fever or blood in the stool.
“These symptoms are usually mild to moderate, and the specific cause may not always be determined immediately.
“Once an agent like bacteria or a virus is identified, the diagnosis can be confirmed,” she added.
On Dec 7, the Health Ministry reported 10,272 cases of waterborne diseases at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Perak.
The cases included 6,730 acute respiratory infections, 3,021 skin infections, 298 cases of acute gastroenteritis, 190 conjunctivitis, 20 chickenpox cases, and 13 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.
