Official warns of flood-borne diseases

JAKARTA: Jakarta residents have been advised to be on the alert for flood-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, which is transmitted through rat urine.

"Aside from diarrhea, residents must be wary of leptospirosis since the floodwaters could contain the leptospirosis bacteria," a senior official with the Central Jakarta health office, Maryana, was quoted as saying by Beritajakarta.com.

Maryana said residents could avoid contracting the disease by ensuring hygiene in their environments.

"They should wear boots when they walking through water that might be contaminated by rat urine," he said.

Those infected by the disease display various symptoms, including a prolonged fever, yellowish eyes, and pallor, and require immediate medical treatment. --JP.