Outbreak of leptospirosis at Juru detention camp

Star: BUTTERWORTH: Twenty-six detainees from the Juru detention camp for illegal immigrants have been admitted to two hospitals here following an outbreak of leptospirosis at the camp.
A 21-year-old detainee from Myanmar died on Tuesday of the bacterial disease after being admitted to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
State Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee member Phee Boon Poh said 24 detainees have been warded at the hospital while two are at the Seberang Jaya Hospital.
He said the 26 detainees could have consumed water contaminated with the urine of an animal.
He said the Myanmar, who was admitted on May 7, had symptoms of pedal oedema, fever, decreased urine output, constipation and lethargy.
He said three more cases were admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms on Tuesday.
Phee said more detainees were found with the symptoms and subsequently referred to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
He said the state government had carried out active case detection and investigations since May 12 at the camp, which houses 529 detainees, including 69 women and two boys.
He added that disinfection was also carried out in all four blocks at the camp, including the bathrooms and toilets.
“We have also taken samples from all water sources in the camp and are also making daily visits to the camp,” Phee said.
Phee asked the people not to panic as the outbreak of the disease was only confined to the camp.
Those who have queries can contact him at 012-471 1111