SEREMBAN: A student of Kolej Legenda in Mantin died on Thursday due to leptospirosis, or rat urine disease, after a dip at the Jeram Toi Recreation Park, near here, on April 30.
Negri Sembilan Health director Dr Abdul Rahim Abdullah said two other victims, who are students of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Seremban 3, have also been confirmed to have contracted the disease.
"The victim who died was identified as Muhd Syazwan, 21 (no full name given).
"He was said to have contracted fever on May 7 after a swim in Jerai Toi, and was admitted to the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital (HTJ)," he said.
Dr Abdul Rahim said two days later after he was confirmed to be infected with leptospirosis, the victim was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
"In the cases pertaining to the UiTM students, the two victims are aged 21 and 22.
"The 21-year-old swam in Jeram Toi on April 24 before being admitted to the ICU on May 6 and is now reported to be stable.
"The 22- year-old, who also had a dip at the same recreation park on April 24, was admitted to the KPJ Seremban Hospital on May 9 and is now also reported to be stable," he said when contacted by Bernama here on Sunday.
Dr Abdul Rahim said there were also two other cases involving UiTM Seremban 3 students but both had yet to be confirmed for leptospirosis and that tests were under way.
He said the state health department had initiated actions to take samples of water and soil at the park on a regular basis, and to catch rodents.
"We also held discussions with the District Council and the Forestry Department to close the Jeram Toi (Recreation Park) on May 12 for cleaning purposes.
"The Health Department and the Jelebu District Health Office will continue to monitor and assess the situation during the closure," he said.
It is understood that the victims had visited Jeram Toi in separate groups. - Bernama
