Reunion Island is facing an increase in cases of leptospirosis compared to previous years. The Regional Health Agency calls on the population to be vigilant.
- In Reunion, cases of leptospirosis are more numerous than in previous years.
- This disease, caused by bacteria, can be serious and lead to death.
- Certain activities are risky, such as freshwater sports or gardening.
119 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded on Reunion Island since January 1. L’Regional health agency points out that this number is particularly high compared to the last two years. Faced with the epidemic, the ARS calls on the population to take precautions.
⚠️Ongoing leptospirosis epidemic in Reunion:
????119 cases reported since the start of the year
????1 death
????70% of sick people hospitalized, including 26% in intensive care
????This disease is caught by contact with a humid environment (stagnant water, mud, etc.) contaminated by urine… pic.twitter.com/Ugz1EJWFln— ARS La Réunion (@ARS_LaReunion) March 29, 2024
Epidemic in Reunion: what is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the species Leptospira questioned. They thrive in warm, humid environments, such as fresh water or muddy soil, and can survive for several months. “Its main reservoirs are rodents, in particular rats, which excrete the bacteria in the urine, and thus contaminate their environment and occasionally dogs and livestock (pigs).explains Ministry of Health.
Humans can be contaminated in different ways: by contact with infected animals, by bite (from a rat for example) or in the event of contact with an infected environment. “In most cases, transmission is indirect during freshwater swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, rafting or canyoning, specifies the ministry. Leptospires, present in water following contaminated animal droppings, enter the body through wounds, skin or mucous membrane erosions, through the conjunctiva, or by inhalation of droplets..”
Leptospirosis contamination: what are the risks?
According to’Pastor Institute, incubation can take between 4 and 14 days. The disease can take many forms, but often its first symptoms are fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain. “Leptospirosis is a serious illness: if not treated in time, it can lead to hospitalization or even death.alerts the ARS of Reunion.
On the island, 70% of those infected were hospitalized and one person died. A few days after the first symptoms, there may be a worsening, and the disease then spreads to the liver, kidneys, lungs and meninges. Treatment is based on taking antibiotics, which will relieve symptoms and limit the risk of complications.
How to protect yourself from leptospirosis?
The ARS of Reunion specifies that certain activities are particularly at risk: gardening, agricultural work, poultry farming, leisure activities in fresh water. To protect yourself, it is recommended to wear protective equipment (gloves, boots, etc.), to wear closed shoes when walking in wet or muddy environments and to protect your wounds from any contact with water.
At the same time, it is necessary to fight against the proliferation of rats. “These prevention measures must be applied particularly after periods of heavy rain because the risk of contact with contaminated wetlands is then greater., warns the ARS. In France, a vaccine is available against leptospirosis but it is reserved for professionals exposed to a high risk of contamination, such as sewer workers or garbage collectors.
