La Reunion - Leptospirosis outbreak 2024

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Beware of leptospirosis in the southern summer and especially after the passage of Belal!

News
Diseases, Prevention, Alerts

January 22, 2024


In 2023, 171 reports of leptospirosis were reported to ARS La Réunion. Leptospirosis is a serious illness: if not treated in time, it can lead to hospitalization or even death. At the start of the austral summer, an upsurge in cases is usually observed.

The bacteria that causes leptospirosis develops particularly during the rainy season and even more so after a cyclone.

Humans can be contaminated by contact with a dirty, humid environment (mud, puddles, etc.) or directly with the contaminated urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Activities of cleaning yards and gardens without sufficient protection (boots, gloves, etc.) or swimming in fresh water after heavy rain are therefore particularly at risk. Particular vigilance is therefore recommended after the passage of a cyclone.
Agricultural workers (farmers, breeders) are also particularly exposed due to their professional activity.

The ARS La Réunion and Santé Publique France recommend that the population increase vigilance during the austral summer and protect themselves by implementing simple actions to avoid contracting leptospirosis.

Epidemiological situation

The rainy season is the period most at risk because it presents temperature and rainfall conditions favorable to the survival in the environment of the bacteria responsible for this disease. Episodes of heavy rain promote soil leaching and environmental contamination and are therefore particularly risky periods.

During 2023, 171 reports of leptospirosis were declared to the ARS of Réunion, more than 70% of which occurred between January and June 2023:

1. Men were more affected than women (more than 9 cases out of 10);
2. The cases were aged 10 to 81 years and the age group 50 to 69 years represented almost half of the cases;
3. The entire island was affected even if the southern sector was the most affected in 2023 (with more than half of the cases declared);
4. Nearly 7 out of 10 cases required hospitalization.

What is leptospirosis and what are the symptoms?

The animal reservoir is very diverse, and in addition to rodents (mainly rats), it includes certain carnivores, certain livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, horses, pigs) and pets (dogs).

Bacteria survive quite easily in the external environment (fresh water, muddy soil). They survive several weeks in fresh water, soil or a humid environment, which favors contamination.

In humans, direct contamination (animal contact) is uncommon compared to indirect contamination (contact with soil or contaminated water, sludge, puddles, stagnant water at the edge of ravines).

Source: INRS The bacteria enters the body through the skin in the event of cuts or wounds (even small ones) or through the mucous membranes (eye, mouth, nose). After a few days of incubation (4 to 19 days on average), leptospirosis manifests itself with the following symptoms (which can be easily confused with other infections such as dengue, Covid-19, etc.):

1. high fever with sudden onset (often > 39°C),
2. muscle, joint, abdominal pain,
3. nausea, vomiting,
4. severe headache.

The disease can worsen 4 to 5 days after the first signs and spread to the liver, kidneys, lungs, meninges, and can be fatal .

Administered early, antibiotic therapy reduces the risk of complications and alleviates symptoms.

What are the risky activities?

The vast majority of cases recorded on the island are linked to:

1. agricultural work,

1. gardening and breeding “la kour”,
2. fresh water leisure activities (fishing, swimming in rivers or pools, white water sports).

The majority of people infected in 2023 had unprotected wounds, or did not have sufficient protection (boots, gloves, glasses, overalls, etc.).

What to do if you experience symptoms the days following a risky activity?

1. Consult your doctor quickly
2. Inform them of activities at risk of contamination carried out in the 3 weeks before the start of the signs

The doctor may order a biological analysis to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

Since August 23, 2023, leptospirosis is a notifiable disease . Any case of leptospirosis, confirmed by biological analyses, must be declared to the monitoring and alert unit of the Regional Health Agency using the mandatory declaration form .

The ARS then suggests that the patient carry out an environmental survey at home in order to identify potential sources of exposure and the risky activities carried out. The use of surveys makes it possible to better characterize cases and their risk exposures, to provide information on the preventive measures to be implemented and to prevent future exposures.

How to protect yourself from leptospirosis?

Prevention of leptospirosis is based on individual protection measures against contamination by animal urine. Simple measures can effectively limit the risks of contamination: Apply individual protection measures:

1. wear appropriate protective equipment during risky activities (gloves, boots, overalls, etc.),
2. protect wounds from contact with water (waterproof dressings), wash them with drinking water and disinfect them after exposure,
3. do not walk barefoot or in slippers for activities in wet or muddy environments (muddy ground, in puddles, stagnant water, ravines).

Fight against rats:

1. regularly maintain your yard (absence of bulky items or waste conducive to the proliferation of rats, etc.),
2. eliminate all food sources (including animal feed scraps).

Protect your pets:

1. vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis,
2. do not let your animals wander.

Respect the swimming bans in places marked at risk:

It is better to postpone leisure activities in fresh water in case of cloudy water. These prevention measures must be applied particularly after periods

...
https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/a...age-de-belal-0

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Risk of increase in cases of leptospirosis

Public Health France Reunion Island takes stock of ongoing viral epidemics and circulations in Reunion Island.

Written by NP – Friday January 26, 2024 at 12:54 p.m.

Extracts from the epidemiological report of Public Health France La Réunion

Leptospirosis

Current climatic conditions are favorable for the survival of the bacteria in the environment. Also, the number of contaminations is likely to increase in the coming weeks. It is recommended to use personal protective equipment (gloves, boots, etc.) and to protect wounds before practicing risky activities, then clean them with drinking water and disinfect them afterwards.

It is also recommended to postpone activities in fresh water (such as swimming, canyoning, etc., especially in the event of cloudy water). Finally, it is advisable to consult a doctor if symptoms appear following the practice of risky activities (gardening, market gardening, livestock, post-cyclone yard cleaning, swimming, etc.).


In Reunion, the seasonal leptospirosis epidemic usually starts in January, with an epidemic peak in March or April depending on the year (see May for 2023).

As of January 24, 14 cases of biologically confirmed leptospirosis have been reported to the Réunion Health Agency since January 1. Among these cases, 12 occurred in January 2024 (compared to 3 for the same period of 2023 and 5 for 2022. The other 2 reported cases occurred in December 2023.

Concerning the cases in 2024, there were 11 cases confirmed by blood PCR and 1 probable case presenting serology above the threshold.

All these cases were male with a mean age of 56 years (min=14 years, max=65 years). Eleven of these cases resided in the south of the island (Saint Pierre, Saint Joseph, Le Tampon, Petite Ile, Entre Deux). Epidemiological and environmental investigations are underway to determine the highest risk exposures and implement health education, prevention and management measures by the ARS.

Note that since the end of August 2023, leptospirosis has become a notifiable disease. Any biologically confirmed case (serology, MAT) must be reported as soon as possible by the biologist or doctor using the specific mandatory reporting form. Once completed, this form must be sent to the ARS of La Réunion without delay. It will allow the launch of investigations and the implementation of management measures.

...

https://www.zinfos974.com/risque-de-hausse-des-cas-de-leptospirose/

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See also (in French):
REGIONAL BULLETIN
01-26-2024
(updated 01-26-2024)

Health surveillance in Reunion. Update as of January 25, 2024.

Key points Leptospirosis Start of the seasonal leptospirosis epidemic in ReunionDengueReunion is in the inter-epidemic phase of dengue. Circulation remains very limited and essentially...

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Leptospirosis epidemic in Reunion: 10 people hospitalized including 7 in intensive care

LINFO.RE – created on 02/9/2024 at 3:18 p.m. – updated on 02/9/2024 at 3:18 p.m. - Matthieu Patou-Parvédy

In January 2024, 24 cases of leptospirosis (compared to 6 cases in 2023) were declared to the ARS La Réunion, including 10 hospitalizations.

This disease is contracted through contact with a humid environment contaminated mainly by rat urine (stagnant water, mud, etc.). Heavy rains promote soil leaching and the survival of leptospiral bacteria in the soil.

Home gardening or leisure activities in fresh water, after heavy rain, are therefore particularly at risk. Farmers and breeders are also exposed due to their professional activity.

In view of the increase in cases observed and the rainy season, the ARS La Réunion and Santé Publique France recommend increased vigilance to the population: protect themselves with simple actions; consult your doctor as soon as symptoms appear (fever, severe fatigue, muscle/joint pain, etc.) and indicate if a risky activity has been carried out.

https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/sante/epidemie-leptospirose-a-la-reunion-10-personnes-hospitalisees-dont-7-en-reanimation

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Leptospirosis: call for vigilance!

In view of the increase in cases of leptospirosis observed and the rainy season, the ARS La Réunion and Public Health France recommend increased vigilance to the population: protect themselves with simple actions; consult your doctor as soon as symptoms appear (fever) and indicate if a risky activity has been carried out.

Published on February 12, 2024


Press contacts

ARS La Réunion
Communication Service
0262 97 97 17 – 0692 57 63 38
ars-reunion-communication@ars.sante.fr
Public Health France
presse@santepubliquefrance.fr
Stéphanie Champion: 01 41 79 67 48
Camille Le Hyaric: 01 41 79 68 64

In January 2024, 24 cases (compared to 6 cases in 2023) of leptospirosis were declared to the ARS La Réunion, including 10 hospitalizations. This disease is contracted through contact with a humid environment contaminated mainly by rat urine (stagnant water, mud, etc.). Heavy rains promote soil leaching and the survival of leptospiral bacteria in the soil. Home gardening or leisure activities in fresh water, after heavy rain, are therefore particularly at risk. Farmers and breeders are also exposed due to their professional activity.

Epidemiological situation

The start of the seasonal leptospirosis epidemic this year is earlier and at a higher level than in previous years:

1. 24 cases declared in January 2024 to ARS La Réunion (compared to 6 cases during the same period in 2023 and 14 cases in 2022).
2. 10 hospitalizations, including 7 people in intensive care.
3. Distribution of cases: South (20 cases), East (2 cases), North (2 cases). The southern sector is particularly impacted but no cluster of cases has been identified to date.
4. Profile of sick people:
   • Large majority of men affected: 23 cases out of 24
   • Average age: 58 years (min=14 years; max=75 years)
   • Contamination hypothesis linked mainly to leisure activities (home gardening, fresh water sports) and professional activity (agricultural work, breeders)
5. The majority of infected people had unprotected wounds, or did not have sufficient protection (boots, gloves, glasses, overalls, etc.).

Even if the majority of cases are recorded in the south, the entire island is affected by leptospirosis. Current climatic conditions are favorable for the survival of bacteria in water and wetlands. Without effective protection, the risk of contamination is even higher when practicing activities such as cleaning yards and gardens, agricultural work and livestock breeding, gardening, and gentle swimming.

...

https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/presse/2024/leptospirose-appel-a-la-vigilance

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40 cases of leptospirosis reported since the start of the year in Reunion Island, farmers made aware

This rainy season, cases of leptospirosis are significantly increasing compared to last year. Hence the importance of fighting against the proliferation of rats, vectors of the disease. The Departmental Federation of Pest Defense Groups (FDGDON) raises awareness among farmers, who are on the front line of the risk.

JCTS / DG / DP • Published on February 19, 2024 at 1:06 p.m., updated February 19, 2024 at 7:09 p.m.

The greatest vigilance is required in the face of leptospirosis in recent weeks. Certainly, the rainy season is favorable for the epidemic, but the number of cases recorded remains higher than in previous years, according to figures from Santé Publique France: 40 cases since the start of 2024, compared to 16 at the same period in 2023.

Also, between January 1 and February 13, 2024, 21 hospitalizations of more than 24 hours and 13 visits to intensive care were noted, for leptospirosis.
...
Farmers and breeders exposed to risk

Certain populations are more exposed than others to the risk of leptospirosis. Namely farmers and breeders, in contact with potentially contaminated land or water during their daily activities. Because leptospirosis is transmitted by contact with Leptospira type bacteria, which can be found in water, soil, or food contaminated by the urine of a rat itself infected.

...

https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reunion/40-cas-de-leptospirose-declares-depuis-le-debut-de-l-annee-a-la-reunion-les-agriculteurs-sensibilises-1466214.html

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Leptospirosis: twice as many cases reported since January than in the last two years

Published on February 23, 2024 at 3:07 p.m.
Updated February 23, 2024 at 3:51 p.m.
...
With the rainy season, climatic conditions are favorable for the persistence of the bacteria in water and humid environments, thus increasing the risk of contamination during risky activities. On average in the department, with a rainfall of around 2.5 times normal and an average island accumulation just exceeding 1000 mm, January 2024 ranks 3rd among the rainiest Januarys in more than 50 years of measurements (Meteo France data). Météo France notes a certain resemblance with 2018 where the south and south-east areas were also particularly affected.

Assessment as of February 20, 2024: since January 1, 2024, 54 cases of biologically confirmed leptospirosis occurring during the month of January have been declared to the ARS (Figure A). At the same time of year, 22 cases had been declared in 2023 and 18 in 2022.

The main hypotheses of contamination declared by the cases were activities carried out in the context of leisure activities: agricultural work, gardening, market gardening, pruning trees, cutting breds, pineapples, breeding and to a lesser extent DIY/cleaning the yard, or practicing sports in fresh water. The main leisure places at risk of contamination identified were the home, fields or agricultural plots. Furthermore, an professional hypothesis can be used for 6 cases (farmer, market gardener, road maintenance).
...

https://imazpress.com/actus-reunion/leptospirose-deux-fois-plus-de-cas-declares-depuis-janvier-que-les-deux-dernieres-annees

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Leptospirosis: three times more cases reported since January than in the last two years

Published on March 1, 2024 at 2:53 p.m.
Updated March 1, 2024 at 2:59 p.m.

This Friday, March 1, 2024, Public Health France unveiled the regional epidemiological update. The leptospirosis epidemic continues to intensify, with three times more cases reported to the Regional Health Agency since the start of 2024 than in the last two years. During this period of southern summer, climatic conditions are favorable for the persistence of the bacteria in water and humid environments. The risk of contamination by leptospirosis during risky activities is increased. We also note a continued increase in cases of conjunctivitis among private doctors in Reunion, well above the 2013-2023 average.
...

- Leptospirose -

Ongoing epidemic at a higher level than in previous years.

During this period of southern summer, climatic conditions are favorable for the persistence of the bacteria in water and humid environments. The risk of contamination by leptospirosis during risky activities is increased.

Results as of February 28, 2024: Since January 1, 2024, 70 biologically confirmed cases of leptospirosis have been declared to the ARS (Figure A), i.e. three times more cases declared than in previous years at the same period (23 cases in 2023 and 20 in 2022).

The main characteristics of the cases are presented in Table A. A person with a diagnosis of leptospirosis died, without it being possible to confirm or exclude that this death was linked to leptospirosis.

As a reminder, in Reunion Island, an average of 1 to 3 deaths per year are linked to leptospirosis. The main hypotheses of contamination declared by the cases were mainly agricultural activities (professional or leisure) and to a lesser extent DIY/yard cleaning or during sporting activities (in contact with fresh water).

In addition, with 39 visits including 25 hospitalizations for suspected leptospirosis, the activity of emergency services was twice as high as for the same period of 2023 (19 visits including 12 hospitalizations) and 2022 (16 visits including 11 hospitalizations) .
...

https://imazpress.com/actus-reunion/leptospirose-trois-fois-plus-de-cas-declares-depuis-janvier-que-les-deux-dernieres-annees

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Ongoing leptospirosis epidemic at high level

News
Diseases, Prevention, Alerts March 8, 2024

The current epidemic continues at a high level: 83 cases declared since January 2024, 1 death, 48 people hospitalized (including 19 in intensive care). All sectors of the island are affected, however more than 80% of cases resided in the South and West sectors of the island. In view of the increase in cases, the ARS and Santé Publique France recommend increased vigilance to the population.

Epidemiological situation as of March 6, 2024

(Source Public Health France)

The leptospirosis epidemic continues at a high level. The following have been recorded since January 1 , 2024:

83 cases declared to the ARS La Réunio n (i.e. three times more cases declared than in previous years during the same period)
including 57 cases recorded in February (this number of monthly cases had never been reached during peaks epidemics of previous years: maximum of 49 cases occurring in April 2022).
1 death identified this week ( 1 to 3 annual deaths recorded during previous epidemics )
48 hospitalizations, including 19 people in intensive care
47 trips to the emergency room
Distribution of cases : South (62%), West (20%), East (13%), North (5%)

Profile of sick people:

A large majority of men affected (79 cases)
Average age: 54 years (minimum = 14 years; maximum = 80 years)
Contamination hypotheses: agricultural activities (professional or leisure), DIY/yard cleaning, sports activities (in contact with fresh water).
The rainy season is favorable for the persistence of bacteria in water and humid environments. Without effective protection, the risk of contamination by leptospirosis is even higher when practicing risky activities.

What are the risky activities?

Gardening (garden maintenance, market gardening, tree pruning, etc.)
Agricultural work (cutting cane, harvesting bredes, pineapples, etc.)
“La kour” breeding / poultry breeding at home
Fresh water leisure activities (fishing, swimming in rivers or pools, canyoning, etc.)


...

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/leptospirose-appel-la-vigilance

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Leptospirosis: an epidemic of unprecedented scale in Reunion with 99 cases since the start of the year

The Regional Health Agency calls for vigilance this Friday, March 15. With 99 cases of leptospirosis reported since January 1, 2024, Reunion Island is facing an epidemic of unprecedented scale. In February, 61 cases were recorded, a record.

LP • Published on March 15, 2024 at 3:31 p.m., updated March 15, 2024 at 3:32 p.m.

This is a leptospirosis epidemic on an unprecedented scale since the start of the year, assures the Regional Health Agency of Reunion, this Friday March 15.

99 cases since January 1

Since January 1, 99 cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed. This is almost three times more cases than in previous years during the same period. There were 26 cases in 2023 and 36 cases in 2022.

A death directly linked to leptospirosis occurred in February and another death is still under investigation. In Reunion, there are on average between one and three deaths per year linked to leptospirosis.

61 cases in February : a record

During the month of February, 61 cases of leptospirosis were recorded. This number of monthly cases had never been reached, even during the epidemic peaks of previous years. The maximum was 49 cases occurring in April 2022.

Since the start of the year, with 58 visits including 34 hospitalizations for suspected leptospirosis, the activity of emergency services was twice as high as the same period in 2023.

...https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reuni...e-1472490.html


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Seasonal leptospirosis epidemic on an unprecedented scale

News
Diseases, Prevention, Alerts
March 15, 2024




The epidemic continues at a high level in Reunion: 99 patients declared since January 2024, 7 out of 10 people hospitalized and almost 3 out of 10 in intensive care, and 1 death. All sectors of the island are affected, but more than 80% of cases resided in the South and West sectors. In view of this increase, the ARS and Santé Publique France recommend increased vigilance to the population.


Epidemiological situation as of March 14, 2024

(Source Public Health France)

The following have been recorded since January 1 ^, 2024:

1. 99 cases declared to the ARS La Réunion (i.e. three times more cases declared than the two previous years during the same period)including 61 cases recorded in February: this number of monthly cases had never been reached during the epidemic peaks of previous years (maximum of 49 cases occurring in April 2022).
2. 1 death identified
   (1 other death is under investigation)
   Note: 1 to 3 deaths are recorded per year in Reunion
3. 70% of people hospitalized
4. 28% of cases treated in intensive care units
5. 58 trips to the emergency room for suspected leptospirosis
6. Distribution of cases: South (64%), West (18%), East (14%), North (4%)
7. Profile of sick people:
   • A very large majority of men affected (96%)
   • Average age: 53 years (minimum = 14 years; maximum = 80 years)
   • Contamination hypotheses: agricultural activities (professional or leisure), DIY/yard cleaning, sports activities (in contact with fresh water).

The rainy season is favorable for the persistence of bacteria in water and humid environments. Without effective protection, the risk of contamination by leptospirosis is even higher when practicing risky activities.
...

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/leptospirose-appel-la-vigilance

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Leptospirosis in Reunion: 14 new cases in one week, 113 cases since the start of 2024

Since the start of the year, 113 cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed in Reunion. In one week, 14 new cases were reported. For the same period last year, 29 cases were declared for 164 annual cases. To try to combat the proliferation of the virus, rodent control kits are offered to residents of the South, particularly in Avirons and Etang-Salé.

Annaëlle Dorressamy / Lyz Dumont • Published on March 22, 2024 at 12:02 p.m., updated March 22, 2024 at 4:52 p.m.

Following the increase in cases of leptospirosis in Reunion, the Departmental Federation of Defense Groups against Harmful Organisms in Reunion (FDGDON) is mobilizing. Rodent control kits are offered to individuals and professionals.

In the south of the island, residents of Avirons and L'Étang-Salé can buy rat poison kits at reduced prices while benefiting from the advice of the FDGDON, an organization which fights leptospirosis all year round.

113 cases of leptospirosis since the start of 2024

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) Réunion is sounding the alarm and calling for caution. Since the start of the year, 113 cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed. In just one week, 14 new cases were reported to the ARS.

The profile of cases was mainly male, with an age between 40 and 79 years, contamination hypotheses linked to agricultural work, unprotected wounds and inappropriate use of personal protective equipment, according to Santé Publique France.

...https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reuni...d-1474326.html

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Seasonal leptospirosis epidemic on an unprecedented scale

April 8, 2024



After an early start to the epidemic at a high level, the number of weekly cases appears to be falling slightly. The southern sector remains the most impacted by leptospirosis with cases also in the rest of the territory. The current rains and temperatures are favorable to the persistence of bacteria in humid places and raise fears of a continuation of the epidemic at a high level. .

The ARS and Santé Publique France recommend that the population maintain their vigilance because everyone is affected by leptospirosis.
...
Epidemiological situation

(Source Public Health France as of 04/05/2024)

The following have been recorded since January 1, ²⁰²⁴ :

1. 130 cases declared to the ARS La Réunion
   (particularly high number of cases compared to the two previous years at the same period)
2. 1 death identified
   (1 other death is under investigation)
   Note: 1 to 3 deaths recorded per year in Reunion
3. 70% of people hospitalized
4. 26% of people treated in intensive care units
5. Distribution of cases: South (59%), West (18%), East (17%), North (6%)
6. Profile of sick people:
   • A very large majority of men affected (96%)
   • Contamination hypotheses: agricultural/livestock activities (professional or leisure) and to a lesser extent leisure activities in contact with fresh water and yard cleaning activities . .

The majority of cases reported unprotected wounds and inappropriate use of personal protective equipment (gloves, boots, etc.)

The rainy season is favorable for the persistence of bacteria in the environment. Without effective protection, the risk of contamination by leptospirosis is even higher when practicing risky activities.

...
https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/l...l-la-vigilance

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Leptospirosis: new cases likely due to heavy rains

Written by Clicanoo
Published on 04/14/2024 at 05:45

EPIDEMIC. Since January 1, 2024, 145 cases of indigenous leptospirosis have been reported to the ARS, i.e. 15 more cases in week 14 than the previous week. The 2024 incidence is much higher than in previous years. In comparison, 83 cases were declared at the same time in 2022 (year when the incidence was highest with 169 annual cases) and 49 cases in 2023 (with 164 annual cases) .

The 15 new cases, declared between 04/03 and 04/10, resided in Tampon (4) and Saint-Pierre (1) , Saint-Paul (4) and Trois-Bassins (1) as well as in Saint-Benoît (3) , Saint-André (1) and Bras-Panon (1) . No new deaths were identified during W13 (1 with a direct link in W11 and 1 under investigation for attributability in W10) . With heavy rains in recent days, it is likely that new cases will be reported in the coming weeks. Prevention is essential: closed shoes in humid environments, protective equipment for gardening or agricultural work.

In W14, activity for suspected leptospirosis (16 visits and 8 hospitalizations) represented 0.4% of activity for all causes combined. Between S01 and S14/2024, 117 visits and 65 hospitalizations were recorded (hospitalization rate of 56%) . For comparison, for the same period of 2023, the hospitalization rate was 66% (29 hospitalizations/44 passages) and for 2022 it was 59% (47 hospitalizations/79 passages) .

https://www.clicanoo.re/article/societe/2024/04/14/leptospirose-de-nouveaux-cas-probables-en-raison-des-fortes-pluies-661b35d32e854

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204 cases of indigenous leptospirosis in Reunion since the start of the year: 13 more cases than last week

LINFO.RE – created on 05/3/2024 at 4:07 p.m. – updated on 05/3/2024 at 4:07 p.m. - Matthieu Patou-Parvédy

Since January 1, 2024, 204 cases of indigenous leptospirosis have been reported to the ARS, or 13 cases more than the previous week. The number of cases occurring since the start of the year, i.e. in less than 4 months, is higher than the maximum annual number of cases declared since the start of surveillance, which was in 2022 with 169 annual cases).

Among the 13 new cases declared between 04/25 and 05/02, the sector of residence was the sector:

• South for 9 cases (Saint-Joseph, Saint-Louis, Saint-Pierre, Cilaos). Note that since the start of the year, 114 cases resided in this sector (55% of all cases);

• West for 2 cases (Saint-Paul, Plaine des palmistes), or 42 cases since the start of the year;

•East for 2 cases (Saint-Benoît, Saint-André), or 37 cases in total since the start of the year;

No new cases residing in the North sector have been declared (11 cases declared since the start of the year). No new deaths were identified during Week 14 (1 directly linked in Week 12 and 1 under investigation for attributability in Week 10).

The data show that in order to limit the appearance of new cases, prevention must be targeted at populations most at risk of becoming contaminated, that is to say: men, age groups 40-79 years old, people practicing risky activities: agricultural work, livestock breeding, maintenance of green spaces, yard cleaning, tang hunting, fresh water activities, those not protecting their wounds, those using personal protective equipment unadapted and not systematized, those walking in open shoes in humid environments…

https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/sante/204-cas-de-leptospirose-autochtones-a-la-reunion-depuis-le-debut-de-l-annee-13-cas-de-plus-que-la-semaine-derniere

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Multiplication of cases of leptospirosis: farmers vulnerable to rats

LINFO.RE – created on 05/24/2024 at 8:18 a.m. – updated on 05/24/2024 at 8:18 a.m. - Editorial staff

Since the start of the year, Reunion has seen a significant increase in cases of leptospirosis. Among the sick, we find farmers. There are nearly 63 cases who declared a profession related to agriculture.

Leptsoprise, or more commonly called rat disease, is currently plaguing the island.

Whether the kids who play in the ponds or the gramounes who water the yard in the morning, no one is spared the risk of contracting the disease.

People who work in a profession related to agriculture are particularly exposed. As Elsa Balleydier, epidemiologist at Santé Publique France, explains, " ARS data indicate that in one in three cases the profession declared by cases of leptospirosis in Reunion in 2024 is a profession linked to agriculture (farmer, market gardener, helper or agricultural worker...)".

According to figures from Public Health France, Reunion Island has recorded 220 cases since the start of the year (between 01/01/2022 to 05/15/2024). A downward trend seems to be emerging after 3 months of high levels, subject to data consolidation.

As of May 3, 204 cases were declared to the ARS. Leptospirosis is described as a seasonal epidemic of unprecedented scale.

Among the 192 cases for which the profession was provided, 63 cases declared a profession related to agriculture, specifies Elsa Balleydier.

But illness also kills.

"Since the start of the year, 1 death has been identified as directly linked to leptospirosis. 2 other deaths are still being analyzed, 1 of which concerns a farmer. An investigation committee has been set up to determine the attributability of these two deaths to leptospirosis", adds the epidemiologist.

A necessary collective awareness

The presence of rats is more and more frequent in the fields. “We find them in dens, sometimes we catch 40 to 50 per field. In 2023, I killed 200 rats using traps. With erosion, we are affected by the invasion of rats", declares Dominique Clain, president of the UPNA union, who already contracted the disease 5 years ago. With abandoned fields, farms or even lack of maintenance, rats are attracted to vegetation.

Treating and eradicating farms has a cost for the sector. “ We are seeing the distribution of boxes from GDON (the Defense Group Against Harmful Organisms, for example) multiply,” explains Dominique Clain. Like him, Guillaume Sellier, president of the Young Farmers' union, maintains that "everyone must work together to provide aid, with a more collective struggle."

"We ask ourselves the question about the fight, is it still effective today? Previously the products were and now with the ban on certain substances for the protection of other species, raticides are less effective", continues Guillaume Sellier.

Faced with the figures, farmers are "rather vulnerable, that's why we have to work together with the communities so that everyone plays the game, it's a real scourge and that also has an impact on the population. We have to collective awareness.

The president of the Young Farmers nevertheless wants to point out that people are not held back by leptospirosis when they want to get started.

Prevention above all

Faced with the increase in cases, the ARS of Reunion and Public Health France advise farmers to be vigilant about wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, boots or closed shoes, glasses, etc.). Regular hand washing is recommended. “ A vaccine against leptospirosis exists. It is reserved for certain professional categories at risk or people regularly practicing high-risk recreational activities, after an assessment by a doctor. This vaccination complements preventive measures,” adds the Agency. Regional Health.

https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/societe/multiplication-des-cas-de-leptospirose-les-agriculteurs-a-la-merci-des-rats