Student died of leptospirosis, says Health Dept

New Straits Times Friday, 21/06/2013 Student died of leptospirosis, says Health Dept Kota Bharu : The Kelantan Health Department yesterday confirmed that the death of the 17-year-old-student from Maahad Tahfiz Darul Anuar was because leptospirosis. Its director, Datuk Dr Ahmad Razin Ahmad Maher, said Sheikh Mohd Alif Sheikh Mohd Fauzi who died on Tuesday, was the eighth fatal case recorded so far this year. "The cases were recorded in several districts in Kelantan, including Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Pasir Mas and Kota Bharu. "The cases were young people, aged between 13 and 19 (20 per cent) and aged between 20 and 55 (60 per cent." On the latest case, he said the victim was among 11 students from the school, who were diagnosed with the disease, following their camping trip last month. He said the rest, who only suffered normal fever or minor upper respiratory tract infection, received treatment from a health clinic but were discharged after their condition improved. "Three hundred and five students and teachers went for the three-day camping trip to the Bukit Bakar forest in Machang on May 14. "Upon their return, 11 of them showed symptoms of the disease and were sent to Kedai Lalat health clinic for treatment." He said Alif, however, was referred to Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) on May 29 because of his serious condition. He died at the hospital's intensive care unit three weeks later. Dr Ahmad Razin said the department would continue monitoring cases and urged the public to take precautions, such as drinking only boiled water. "Housewives must give more attention to the cleanliness surrounding their homes to prevent rats from breeding. They must always make sure that their hands are clean before serving food to their families." He added that 186 cases were recorded last year with four deaths, while 112 cases with four deaths had occurred so far this year.