Boy dies of rat urine disease
A Malaysian Form Two student has died from leptospirosis (rat urine disease), apparently contracted during a trip to the Bukit Wang waterfall in Kedah.
Muhd Ilyas Mahadzir, 14, (photo) was rushed to hospital after he experienced breathing difficulties and coughed blood on Wednesday. He died at 5.45am the next day.
State Health Department director Norhizan Ismail said Ilyas was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital, The Star reported.
"His condition took a turn for the worse with internal bleeding in his lungs and his kidney failed to function despite intensive treatment.
"Medical examination indicated that he had symptoms of leptospirosis," said Dr Norhizan.
Ilyas had reportedly gone for a picnic with his friends and bathed at the Bukit Wang waterfall.
"The state Health Department is investigating to determine his actual movements," added Dr Norhizan.
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