07 Mar 2024 | 09:09 AM UTC
French Polynesia: Elevated leptospirosis activity reported in multiple areas, especially Tahiti, in March
Elevated leptospirosis activity reported in multiple areas in French Polynesia, especially Tahiti, in March. Avoid contaminated soil, water.
Health authorities have reported elevated leptospirosis activity in multiple areas in French Polynesia, with 60 total cases reported Jan. 1-March. 1. This is compared to the 12 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Tahiti is the most affected, reporting the highest disease activity. Other areas reporting elevated disease activity include Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea, and Tahaa. Health officials urge the public to take the necessary disease prevention measures, including wearing suitable protective equipment and clothing when engaging in agricultural work, gardening, and freshwater leisure activities, and avoiding swimming in freshwater during the country’s rainy season. This report represents the most complete data available as of March 7.
Avoid contact with contaminated soil and water. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within one month of being in affected areas.
There is a risk of leptospirosis in French Polynesia, with risk of infection highest during the rainy season. The current surge in cases is attributed to bad weather and flooding that occurred in mid-February. Health officials reported 117 leptospirosis cases nationwide in French Polynesia in 2023.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria that spreads to humans through water and soil contaminated by infected animal urine. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure, but can develop up to 30 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include headache, fever, muscle aches, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, some individuals can develop more severe symptoms including meningitis, kidney failure, or liver failure.
