A 23-year-old Malaysian man died after contracting leptospirosis, commonly known as “rat urine disease,” allegedly from drinking an unwashed canned beverage during a hiking trip.
Father Recounts Son’s Final Days
The victim’s father, Mohamad Azudin (name transliterated from Mandarin), posted on Facebook about his son’s tragic death. The young man went hiking with friends last Sunday and developed vomiting and diarrhea symptoms the following day.
Azudin took his son to a local private clinic. The doctor diagnosed it as a common cold and prescribed fever-reducing and pain-relief medication.
By Tuesday, the son began to clearly feel unwell, and his condition quickly worsened. His health deteriorated rapidly over the next two days, prompting another visit to the private clinic. The doctor recommended transferring him to Malacca General Hospital.
“My son could still speak before falling into a coma. He said bravely, ‘I can still hold on,’ but lost consciousness shortly after,” Azudin wrote.
At 8:30PM, Azudin received a call from Malacca General Hospital informing him that his son had passed away.
“When I arrived at the morgue, his face looked peaceful with a slight smile, but fresh blood kept flowing from his nostrils for five hours,” he recalled.
Doctor Explains Cause of Death
The doctor told Azudin that his son likely contracted the fatal bacteria from drinking an unwashed canned beverage purchased during the hiking trip, and not from contact with poisonous plants.
The disease destroyed his son’s kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and heart within just four days.
About Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, commonly called “rat urine disease,” spreads through infected rat urine. People can also contract it by touching contaminated water or food.
Symptoms include high fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can result in death from acute kidney failure.
Health experts and reputable media outlets have highlighted the contamination risks associated with drinking directly from canned beverages, especially those stored in unsanitary conditions such as warehouses or convenience stores.
They explain that cans may come in contact with rat urine and feces, potentially carrying dangerous bacteria like Leptospira, which causes leptospirosis. They recommend simple hygiene precautions, such as wiping or rinsing the tops of cans or pouring drinks into a glass, to reduce the risk of infection and other health hazards.
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