National Service Camp fever cases: Source of infection identified

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The cause of the fever which landed some National Service trainees in hospital has been identified.
Eight of the trainees were found to be infected with leptospirosis which is caused by bacteria found in the urine of animals such as rats and buffaloes. Another 11 were found to be suffering from Influenza B.
They were among 94 trainees at Kem Putera Taboh Naning in Alor Gajah, Malacca, who fell ill on or after April 18.
Only 31 of the 94 are still in hospital. Some are still awaiting the results of their blood tests.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the trainees reported sick after undergoing a water adaptation exercise at a nearby pond and this probably caused the leptospirosis.
"They were in the pond for 15 to 30 minutes. All those who went into the pond came down with the same symptoms," he said after launching the ministry’s web portal here yesterday.
"That is why there was a drastic increase in the number of trainees down with flu and cold symptoms. But none of them was in serious condition," he said, adding that the bacteria could also infect those jungle trekking or engaging in other outdoor activities.
"Some of the trainees have not been exposed to the outdoors and fall sick easily."
Dr Chua said another 11 trainees were down with Influenza B, which has similar symptoms.
The trainees’ blood samples were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory and the Medical Research Institute for testing.
The trainees were admitted to hospital on April 18 after their body temperatures rose above 39 degrees Celsius.
They also complained of sore throats, dizziness and fatigue.
Dr Chua said the number of cases had dropped drastically.
"There was only one case two days ago. Most of them have been discharged."
At present, 31 trainees were receiving treatment and would be discharged within two to three days, he added.
Dr Chua asked parents of trainees not to worry. The ministry, he said, was closely monitoring the situation at the camp.
"We are confident that in two to three days, we will declare the place safe."
Meanwhile, in Malacca, National Service Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye suggested that state health departments conduct regular hygiene inspections at all camps nationwide — especially at the canteens.
He said he would propose this to the NS council at a meeting on May 2.
"I have talked to the Health Department here. They will probably conduct the check once in three months or so."
State Health Department director Dr Nooraini Baba said at present her department conducted scheduled checks on all NS camps in the State twice a year.