It is very sad to hear the death of National Service trainee R Vinoth in Lintang due to fever complications from suspected leptospirosis (rat urine poisoning).

This is not the first time we hear about this and we won't be surprised to hear more.

The authorities should be more aware and be prepared for handling such situations because there have been cases before this.

Fever is an important symptom for many medical conditions. It shows that the immune system is fighting hard against foreign bodies or microorganisms that have infected the body.

That is the reason why doctors will always check for fever and it is important to do a blood or urine test especially for NS trainees knowing that they have higher risk due to exposure in the camp.

Giving him outpatient treatment and sending him back to the camp and failure to provide for early treatment has caused him his life.

He should be at least been kept for observation or immediate tests should have been done.

The camps should be checked thoroughly if they are free of leptospirosis which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine before allowing National Service training to take place.

Vinoth could be possibly exposed to such an infection during recreational activities in the NS camp like swimming and kayaking.

National Service is a good tool to cultivate many positive practices among youths but lack of safety and emergency response will definitely cause the public especially parents, to be afraid to support it in the future.

We urge the authorities to be take serious precautions and safety measures to ensure no more NS trainees become victims due to lack of safety procedures, which clearly need to be revised and strengthened.