Following the meeting of the Multisectoral Committee on Leptospirosis, the Minister of Health gave an update. Dr Kailesh Jagutpal said that 22 cases had been recorded since the beginning of the year. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria present in the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. According to Minister Kailesh Jagutpal, the climatic conditions and the unsanitary environment are the reasons why more and more cases of leptospirosis are being reported in Mauritius.
5 new cases have been detected last month (3 in Quatre Bornes and 2 in Roches-Bois). The other cases have been reported in Montagne Longue, Rivière des Anguilles, Baie du Cap, Quartier Militaire and Pointe aux Piments. The last case dates back to 6 May.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. These bacteria of the Leptospira genus can affect many animals, including dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, cats, goats, sheep, rabbits and especially rodents, which excrete them in their urine. It is known as “rat disease”.
The bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, called leptospires, can survive in a warm, humid environment for months. The disease can be contracted through contact with water or soil contaminated by rodent urine. Bacteria can enter the body through cuts, scratches, the eyes or mouth.
Typical symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever with chills, headaches, muscle and joint pain. If not treated in time, the disease can develop into serious complications such as kidney, liver or lung disease.
It’s also important to observe the rules of hygiene, especially regular hand-washing and avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water or soil.
You should also wear gloves, goggles and boots during risky activities, and carefully wash cans and fruit and vegetables before use.
When storing food, put it in closed containers to avoid contamination.
