Check Before Camping! 4 Risky Behaviors That Can Cause Leptospirosis in Young Children and Pets

Camping enthusiasts who bring young children and pets to experience nature must be cautious of damp forest areas that harbor leptospirosis bacteria. Knowing these four risky behaviors will help ensure safer travel.

Check these 4 adventurous behaviors of your loved ones that double the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

While exploring the forest, natural behaviors of young children and pets may unknowingly expose them to bacteria. The leptospirosis bacteria can enter the body through wounds, softened skin from prolonged water exposure, or direct ingestion. There are four main risky behaviors to be especially cautious about:

1. Walking or running barefoot through mud.

The skin on children's feet or pets' paws softens after prolonged contact with mud or standing water, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin.

2. Drinking water from natural forest sources.

Streams, waterfalls, or stagnant pools may be contaminated with urine from wild or carrier animals. Consuming or swallowing this water directly is a pathway for bacteria to enter the body.

3. Sniffing or touching contaminated materials.

Pets often sniff and rub their faces on soil, dry leaves, or animal carcasses, while young children may pick up objects from the ground and then touch their faces or mouths.

4. Swimming or playing in water with open wounds.

If there are scrapes, insect bites, or fresh wounds on the body and contact with stagnant forest water occurs, bacteria can immediately enter the bloodstream.

Warning signs not to ignore: What symptoms suggest leptospirosis infection?

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after infection. Close observation for abnormalities after returning from a trip helps ensure timely treatment.

For young children,

• initial signs often include a rapid high fever accompanied by chills, headache, andsevere muscle pain,especially in the calves and back. If symptoms worsen, red eyes, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), or unusual lethargy may occur.

For pets,

• such as dogs, early symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, and vomiting. Later signs may include abdominal cramps, yellowing of paws or gums, dark or blood-tinged urine. Observing behavioral changes is therefore very important.

Safe forest travel tips: Prevention and preparation before the trip.

Health protection while traveling is simple by preparing equipment and planning ahead to minimize exposure to bacteria in nature.

• Wear protective gear. Have children wear rubber boots or closed waterproof shoes and avoid walking barefoot. For pets, use protective footwear or a harness to prevent them from entering heavily waterlogged areas.
• Bring clean drinking water. Carry sufficient personal clean drinking water and bowls throughout the trip to prevent children and pets from drinking from natural sources.
• Clean immediately after leaving the forest. After forest activities, wash children's hands and feet, as well as pets' paws, thoroughly with clean water and soap, then dry completely.

First aid and response when exposed to risky areas.

If your loved one gets a wound during the trip or accidentally steps into suspected stagnant water, promptly provide first aid to reduce risk.

For fresh wounds, rinse thoroughly with clean water several times to wash away dirt and bacteria, then clean around the wound with soap, pat dry, apply antiseptic, and cover with waterproof plaster to prevent further contact with water or soil.

If suspicious symptoms appear after returning, immediately visit a doctor for children or a veterinarian for pets. It is crucial to inform them about recent forest travel, water exposure, or high-risk areas for accurate diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment.

Taking family and pets to enjoy nature remains a joyful activity, provided that risky behaviors are minimized and proper prevention is in place. If high fever, lethargy, or muscle pain occurs after a trip, see a healthcare professional without self-medicating.

Before your next nature trip, check that protective gear and clean drinking water are ready to ensure every step of your journey is fun and safe without worry.

References: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health - Information on Leptospirosis and Prevention Guidelines; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University - Leptospirosis in Pets: Warning Signs and Care.