13 Mar 2024 | 11:17 AM UTC
Reunion: Elevated leptospirosis activity reported territorywide, especially South Region, in March /update 1
Elevated leptospirosis activity reported territorywide in Reunion, especially in South Region, in March. Avoid contaminated soil and water.
Health authorities have reported elevated leptospirosis activity territorywide in Reunion, with an additional 43 cases reported Feb. 14-March 6, bringing the total case count to 83 since Jan. 1. This is compared to the 23 cases reported during a similar period in 2023. The majority of the cases have been reported in the South Region, accounting for 62 percent of cases, followed by West (20 percent), East (13 percent), and North (5 percent). 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, freshwater leisure activities, or when wading through areas where stagnant water and muddy grounds are present. This report represents the most complete data available as of March 13.
Avoid contact with contaminated soil and water. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within one month of being in affected areas.
Leptospirosis is endemic in Reunion, with the risk of infection highest December-May during the rainy season. Health officials reported roughly 171 leptospirosis cases nationwide in Reunion in 2023, 165 cases in 2022, 139 cases in 2021, and 129 cases in 2020.
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.
