Subject: FW: Avoid waterfalls from now on until further notice

> > Subject: Fw: Penang - Avoid waterfalls from now on until further notice> > Temporary don't go for swimming or hiking.> Penang found 2 public recreation sites contaminated with leptospirosis ..............> That means some of the wild rodent animals have been infected by this bacteria, avoid to have any jungle trip or swimming, esp swimming, the> bacteria can penetrate your body through your eye....though you have no injury...> > GEORGE TOWN: The state has banned water activities in three parks after> two ponds at the Bukit Panchor State Park in Nibong Tebal tested> positive for the leptospirosis bacteria.> > Besides the Bukit Panchor State Park , state executive councillor Phee> Boon Poh said other parks with ponds cordoned off since Saturday were> the Taman Rimba forest reserve in Teluk Bahang and the Bukit Mertajam> Forestry Park in Cherok Tok Kun.> > Phee, who is State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment> Committee chairman, said that water activities at the three areas were> shut down after the disease claimed its second victim in Kedah the same> day.> > He said another three ponds in the Bukit Panchor State Park tested> negative for the bacteria.> > "The samples from all ponds in the three parks were sent a month ago to> a laboratory in Sungai Buloh. So far, I have only received the water> samples' reports from Bukit Panchor," he said in an interview.> > However, Phee said there had been no cases of people contracting the> bacteria.> > "We have also issued an order to all national service camps in the state> to stay away from water activities," he added. It was reported yesterday> that a 17-year-old-boy had become the second victim in Kedah to die from> leptospirosis.> > Symptoms of leptospirosis, which is present in rat urine, can range from> flu-like illness to meningitis, kidney failure, jaundice and bleeding in> the lungs.