Three National Service (NS) camps in Perak have been ordered to stop water activities to prevent leptospirosis, an infection caused by bacteria from rat urine.

Initial investigations showed that the three camps - Nilam Ehsan (Bidor), Gemilang Leadership (Gopeng) and another in Kuala Kangsar might be contaminated with the bacteria, said state health exco Dr Mah Hang Soon.

"Further tests are being carried out by the state Health Department as a preventive measure to prevent the spread of the disease.

"The public are advised not to panic as the infection can be treated if detected early," he told reporters after attending a briefing on leptospirosis in Ipoh today.

He said the state government had no plan to close the camps.

Dr Mah said there were 280 cases with 19 deaths last year and as of June, 170 cases of leptospirosis with 13 deaths were registered.

He said the public should be aware of symptoms of leptospirosis and seek immediate treatment to avoid the infection from worsening and becoming life-threatening.

- Bernama