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Leptospirosis: 32 cases since the beginning of 2026, including one death; beware of flu-like symptoms
Since the beginning of the year, 32 cases of leptospirosis have been reported. These have resulted in approximately 20 hospitalizations – including nine in intensive care. One death has been recorded. The phenomenon is common in French Polynesia during the rainy season. This article reminds you of the precautionary measures to take.
By Raihei Nadjarian, Polynesia 1st Editorial Staff
Published on February 18, 2026 at 9:32 PM
In his garden , Jean never goes out without his boots. A taro farmer for over forty years, his workspace is conducive to the spread of this disease. The forty-year-old is always mindful of the risks associated with leptospirosis.
"I've seen rats passing by here several times. They're really big. They're almost the size of a cat. I'm very careful about this disease. I always check and set traps."
Jean, farmer
Not to be confused with the flu
The spread of leptospirosis during the rainy season is a common phenomenon in Polynesia.
However, with 25 people hospitalized, including nine in intensive care, ARASS reminds everyone that this epidemic should not be taken lightly. " The problem is that it presents itself somewhat like the flu. That is to say, there is a fever, significant pain. Today, there is no flu circulating - apart from minor colds - nor dengue fever, so it is important to differentiate between the two ," explains Dr. Henri-Pierre Mallet.
"If you have a high fever of unknown origin and you may have been exposed one, two, or three weeks prior to exposure to this contaminated water, you should consider leptospirosis and consult a doctor quickly."
Henri-Pierre Mallet, head of the health monitoring office at ARASS
In 2025, French Polynesia was among the overseas territories most affected by leptospirosis in relation to the number of inhabitants, with 175 cases recorded.
...
https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/polyne...symptomes-semblables-a-la-grippe-1673076.html
Leptospirosis: 32 cases since the beginning of 2026, including one death; beware of flu-like symptoms
Since the beginning of the year, 32 cases of leptospirosis have been reported. These have resulted in approximately 20 hospitalizations – including nine in intensive care. One death has been recorded. The phenomenon is common in French Polynesia during the rainy season. This article reminds you of the precautionary measures to take.
By Raihei Nadjarian, Polynesia 1st Editorial Staff
Published on February 18, 2026 at 9:32 PM
In his garden , Jean never goes out without his boots. A taro farmer for over forty years, his workspace is conducive to the spread of this disease. The forty-year-old is always mindful of the risks associated with leptospirosis.
"I've seen rats passing by here several times. They're really big. They're almost the size of a cat. I'm very careful about this disease. I always check and set traps."
Jean, farmer
Not to be confused with the flu
The spread of leptospirosis during the rainy season is a common phenomenon in Polynesia.
However, with 25 people hospitalized, including nine in intensive care, ARASS reminds everyone that this epidemic should not be taken lightly. " The problem is that it presents itself somewhat like the flu. That is to say, there is a fever, significant pain. Today, there is no flu circulating - apart from minor colds - nor dengue fever, so it is important to differentiate between the two ," explains Dr. Henri-Pierre Mallet.
"If you have a high fever of unknown origin and you may have been exposed one, two, or three weeks prior to exposure to this contaminated water, you should consider leptospirosis and consult a doctor quickly."
Henri-Pierre Mallet, head of the health monitoring office at ARASS
In 2025, French Polynesia was among the overseas territories most affected by leptospirosis in relation to the number of inhabitants, with 175 cases recorded.
...
https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/polyne...symptomes-semblables-a-la-grippe-1673076.html