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Rats in the City: The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Urban Spaces

By Dr. Norhidayu Sahimin, Senior Lecturer, TIDREC, Universiti Malaya

Did you know that rats thrive in our cities—and they’re carrying more than just garbage? In the latest Expat Magazine (July 2025, pages 60–61), Dr. Norhidayu sheds light on the serious health risks posed by urban rats, particularly leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease spread through contaminated water and soil.

Key takeaways from the article:

Leptospirosis can mimic dengue or flu—making diagnosis tricky.
Infections often happen without direct contact—via floodwaters, parks, drains, or even pets.
Prevention starts at home: clean environments, protective gear, and community awareness make all the difference.
Rats are not just a nuisance—they’re indicators of deeper urban sanitation issues.
Cleaner cities begin with shared responsibility—and knowledge is our best defense.

Read the full feature in The Expat (July issue, pages 60–61): www.tegmedia.my/read-online

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