ALOR STAR: A total of 105 leptospirosis cases have been reported in Kedah between January and June, with one fatality.
State Health director Dr Ismuni Bohari said the cases were reported in epidemiological week 23 (June 1 to 8), and marked an 18 per cent increase from the 89 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Dr Ismuni said of the total, 32 cases were confirmed through microscopic agglutination tests.
He added that 16 suspected cases were awaiting laboratory test results.
"Following the leptospirosis infection cases involving visitors to Lata Bayu Forest Eco-Park, the Baling Health Office carried out an investigation and risk assessment at the site, and water and soil samples have been sent to the Public Health Laboratory in Ipoh," said Dr Ismuni.
"The recreational area has been closed by the state Forestry Department until further notice. An advisory message has also been put up for visitors."
It is understood that two visitors to Lata Bayu Forest Eco-Park who contracted leptospirosis have recovered.
It was reported earlier that the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit of a public hospital in the state after visiting the eco-park.
In February, a patient in Kubang Pasu died after contracting leptospirosis.
Dr Ismuni advised people to maintain hygiene while visiting recreational parks and seek medical help if they developed leptospirosis symptoms after their visits.