Kumamoto, Aug 23, 2024 (News On Japan) - A total of 109 people have reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea after playing in rivers in Kumamoto Prefecture, prompting the governor to issue an unusual call for residents to avoid these areas.
Todoroki Falls, located in Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a popular summer destination, with visitors flocking to enjoy river activities near the 10-meter-high waterfall.
Children can be seen swimming joyfully with their float rings, but a troubling situation has emerged.
Seven high school students visited the waterfall on August 13. Three days later, all of them sought medical attention for symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The number of people reporting similar symptoms continued to rise, reaching 46 on August 20, 69 on August 21, and a staggering 109 by August 22.
A 19-year-old student described the experience: : "First, I felt a chill, then I developed a fever. The next day, I started experiencing headaches, stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting."
The symptoms began two days after visiting the river, and the student's friend, who accompanied them, also developed a fever and gastroenteritis.
The student continued: "It was tough. Standing was difficult, so I had to lie down all day. My stomach hurt, and I kept running to the bathroom all day long."
On August 22, Governor Kimura of Kumamoto Prefecture made an unusual public appeal: "We urge people to refrain from swimming or playing in the waters around the waterfall. If you experience any symptoms or feel anxious, please contact the health department immediately."
Given that over 100 people have reported feeling unwell, experts suggest that the cause may be a highly infectious virus or bacteria that flowed into the water.
Dr. Hiroaki Ito, Director of Ito Oji Kamiyacho Clinic: "Possible causes include norovirus and leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often transmitted through the excretions of rodents like sewer rats."
Dr. Ito explained that it's possible to become infected even without entering the river -- simply being exposed to water spray could lead to infection.
Dr. Ito continued: "For example, if the river water splashes onto the surface of your eye, the virus in the water can be absorbed into the body through the fluid on the eye's surface, eventually causing symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and fever."
Source: ANN
