Stay Safe in the Rain: Watch Out for Melioidosis and Leptospirosis

As the rainy season continues, so does the threat of infectious diseases. A recent report from FM91 news agency, dated August 2, 2025, highlights a concerning rise in two dangerous illnesses: melioidosis and leptospirosis.

Melioidosis: The Silent Danger from the Soil

Often referred to as "soil fever," melioidosis is caused by bacteria found in soil and water. The latest figures are alarming: 2,036 people have fallen ill and 92 have died, resulting in a fatality rate of 4.52%.

Who is most at risk? The data shows that the majority of patients are farmers and general laborers, with the highest concentration of cases in the Northeast region. The average age of patients is 58, and most of those who have died had underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, or chronic alcoholism.

What is Melioidosis?
This serious infectious disease is transmitted through prolonged contact with contaminated soil or water, or through open wounds. Symptoms can include high fever, shortness of breath, and abscesses on the body or internal organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

How to Prevent Melioidosis:

• Avoid contact: Steer clear of wading through water or mud, and direct contact with soil and water.
• Wear protective gear: If contact is unavoidable, wear boots, rubber gloves, and long pants.
• Clean wounds immediately: If you have an open cut, clean it thoroughly and avoid exposing it to soil or water until it is fully healed.
• Practice good hygiene: Always eat cooked food and drink clean water.

Leptospirosis: The Threat from Contaminated Water

Another disease to be mindful of during the rainy season is leptospirosis, or "rat urine" disease. There have been 1,895 reported cases and 25 deaths this year, with a mortality rate of 1.32%. The number of cases has already exceeded the median for the past five years.

Leptospirosis is typically caused by wading in contaminated water without proper protection. The highest number of cases and deaths are among those aged 60 and over.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis:

• Avoid floodwaters: Do not wade or soak in water, especially during floods.
• Wear protective footwear: Use boots if you must enter floodwaters.
• Use gloves: Protect your hands with gloves if you are in contact with potentially contaminated water.
• Wash hands frequently: Maintain good personal hygiene, especially after any potential exposure.

The rainy season brings a higher risk of these diseases. Taking simple precautions can significantly reduce your chances of infection. Stay safe, stay healthy, and don't let the rain bring you down.