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Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC), part of the Ministry of Public Health, has published five common misconceptions about the medicine used to prevent leptospirosis. Flooding and standing water are raising exposure risk in affected areas, and the DDC wants people to use preventive medicine correctly and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Here is what it says, and what it means if you're visiting.
Myth 1: The medicine gives 100% protection
It doesn't. It is not like a vaccine and does not create immunity. It only lowers the risk of infection and the severity of the disease. If you spend a long time in contaminated water, you can still get infected.
Myth 2: Everyone who wades through floodwater needs it
The medicine is recommended mainly for high-risk groups. The DDC's example is rescue workers who stay in standing water for more than 2 hours. A brief walk into floodwater generally does not call for it.
Myth 3: Buy and take antibiotics in advance
The DDC advises against this. Unnecessary use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, and possible side effects include nausea and dizziness.
Myth 4: It can be taken any time, any way
There is a right way to take it:
- Take it right after food, with a full glass of water.
- Don't lie flat for 30 minutes afterwards, because of the risk of oesophageal inflammation.
Myth 5: Taking it makes floodwater entry completely safe
It doesn't. You should still:
- Wear boots.
- Wash thoroughly right after leaving floodwater.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, calf pain or red eyes.
What this means for visitors
- Preventive medicine is not a substitute for avoiding floodwater. Skip wading where you can, and wear boots if you can't.
- Don't stockpile or self-medicate with antibiotics before or during a trip.
- Short, incidental contact with floodwater generally doesn't need preventive medication, according to the DDC.
- After any contact, wash thoroughly right away.
- If you get fever, calf pain or red eyes after exposure, see a doctor immediately and mention the floodwater contact.
- Any prescription should come from a doctor. Take it after food, with a full glass of water, and stay upright for 30 minutes.
Does this apply on Koh Lanta?
The original article focuses on flooded areas such as Bangkok and central Thailand and says nothing about the south. It's still useful for guests during the rainy season, when puddles and flooded paths are common.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.