Laboratory testing confirmed that a patient admitted to a Selangor hospital intensive care unit on July 7 for suspected leptospirosis did not have the infection, the Selangor State Health Department announced on July 21. The individual is now stable and has been transferred to a general ward for continued care.
The health authority rejected viral social-media posts that had linked the case to a recreational water site in the state, stating that no evidence supported such a connection.
Official records show 127 laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease were reported across several Selangor districts between 2024 and this year, with no clear geographic pattern and no fatalities recorded.
Among those cases, 26 were associated with water-based leisure activities, representing about 21 percent of the total. The three sites most often cited are Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Kanching in Gombak, Sungai Congkak Waterfall in Hulu Langat and Sungai Ulu Yam in Hulu Selangor.
District health offices have implemented preventive measures. Their response includes risk assessments, collection of water and soil samples for laboratory analysis, and placement of warning signs by local authorities or site operators.
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They also carry out routine environmental cleaning to lower the chance of transmission at these locations. Regular maintenance helps remove potential sources of contamination.
The infection is zoonotic, caused by Leptospira bacteria that rodents, especially rats, commonly carry.
People can acquire it through contact with water, soil or food contaminated by urine from infected animals, particularly when skin cuts or mucous membranes such as eyes, nose or mouth are exposed. Direct exposure of open wounds increases the risk of infection.
Authorities also warned the public not to drink or use untreated river water. They advised avoiding play or wading in stagnant water, particularly following floods.
People who develop fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea after visiting recreational water sites should seek immediate medical examination and treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.
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