The urine of animals such as rats may contain a bacteria that causes leptospirosis. Often, it is stagnant water that is contaminated, especially fresh water. What are the risks ? How to protect yourself from it?
Hot weather, little or no precipitation: summer has taken its marks in France. To cool off, some take advantage of a bath in the sea, others of a freshwater bath. But you have to be careful, because some water holes can be contaminated with leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through rat urine.
Urine contamination of rats
The bacteria Leptospira interrogans is found in fresh standing water and muddy soils all over the world. It is transmitted to humans through the urine of animals, mainly that of rats, but also through that of cattle, pigs or horses. In some cases, dogs can also transmit the disease. Contamination occurs through the eyes, mucous membranes or even minor wounds.
The incubation period (that is, the time before the first symptoms appear) can last between 4 and 14 days. In general, people with the flu have a flu-like condition: fever, headache, muscle pain. Most of the time the disease is mild when it is taken care of early, but if the symptoms persist, it can lead to kidney failure or even death (5 to 20% of cases).
Record incidence in 2014 and 2015
According to the Pasteur Institute, there are estimated to be one million severe cases of leptospirosis each year worldwide. In France, the number of infected people is estimated at 600 per year, but its incidence is between 50 and 100 times higher in overseas communities. In 2014 and 2015, it reached the highest level since 1920 with one case per 100,000 inhabitants.
Caution before swimming
A vaccine exists in France but it is prescribed only to people most exposed to the disease such as garbage collectors and sewers. If there is a risk of exposure to the bacteria, cover yourself with gloves, goggles and boots. For summer swimming, disinfect all wounds and scratches and protect them with a water-resistant dressing. After the nautical activity, the hands should be washed in potable water with soap. Within three weeks, if flu-like symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention.
Last May, in Gironde, a triathlete died of this disease after swimming in a lake. In England, in the Bath region, a man also contracted it after swimming in fresh water.
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