Since the beginning of the year, cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted by rodents commonly known as “rat disease”, have increased sharply in Reunion. So far, health authorities on the island have recorded 98 cases and one death.
If not treated in time, leptospirosis can be fatal. While the island has been hit by heavy rains in recent weeks, particularly with cyclone Emnati, resulting in mud laden with rodent urine, the mild temperatures have at the same time favored the proliferation of bacteria responsible for the disease.
In a press release, the Regional Health Agency of Reunion thus warned the population against the health risks associated with these bad weather.
“Recent episodes of heavy rains can favor the appearance of leptospirosis. This disease is contracted in fact in contact with a humid environment contaminated mainly by rat urine (mud, puddles, etc.).
Cleaning activities in courtyards and gardens without sufficient protection (boots, gloves, etc.) or swimming in fresh water after heavy rains are therefore particularly at risk”, indicated the ARS.
Symptoms identical to those of Covid
Of the 99 cases identified to date, 43 were in March and 35 in April. In addition to the reported death, there are also eighteen cases of people admitted to the intensive care unit.
Over one year the increase is significant. Last year, there were 74 cases declared during the same period.
The first symptoms appear after four to fourteen days of incubation. In the pandemic context, leptospirosis has another characteristic, which is to manifest itself through common symptoms that can be confused with Covid-19.
It can be an unexpected high fever followed by headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and / or stomach pain.
The ARS recommends protecting yourself
Even if this disease can be treated with antibiotics, provided it is spotted in time, the ARS therefore calls on the population to be very vigilant.
Indeed, the regional health agency recommends avoiding activities in a humid environment when the water is cloudy and recommends wearing gloves, boots and even overalls. It also encourages the elimination of waste and bulky items in the courtyards and not to walk barefoot or in open shoes in stagnant water.
Finally, the ARS urges the population not to leave food for pets lying around in order to prevent rats from being attracted to this food, which could help their proliferation.