03 Nov 2017 | 02:53 AM UTC
Dominican Republic: Leptospirosis leaves at least 52 dead this year
Leptospirosis outbreak leaves at least 52 dead in 2017 as of October 31; 606 suspected cases reported in 2017
Event
An outbreak of leptospirosis has left at least 52 people dead in the Dominican Republic thus far in 2017, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin published on October 31 by the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Dominican Ministry of Health. Some 606 total suspected cases have been reported so far this year; in the last four weeks alone, 88 suspected cases have been reported, representing a 34 percent increase over the same four-week period in 2016.
The increase in the number of suspected cases of leptospirosis reported this year may be partly attributed to the flooding caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which struck the country in September. Over the last four weeks, however, the epidemiological spread of the disease has remained stable, according to the bulletin.
Context
Leptospirosis, also called Weil's disease, is spread through rat or other infected animal fluids (e.g. urine) that enters the human body through lacerations, the eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms of the illness include fever, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. The disease is serious but treatable with antibiotics.
Advice
According to the Dominican Ministry of Public Health, people should avoid stagnant water and soils that may be contaminated with such animal fluids.
Individuals in the Dominican Republic are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by local health officials. Anyone experiencing the aforementioned symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
