Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
Seasonal upsurge underway
Leptospirosis: 109 cases reported since the beginning of the year
Published on June 13, 2025 at 3:28 p.m.
Between January 1st and June 11th, 2025, 109 cases were reported to the Regional Health Agency of Réunion, representing two new cases since the previous week. These cases were still predominantly men (94%). The median age of cases was 55 years. The seasonal upsurge is still ongoing. We are publishing the press release below.
In Réunion, leptospirosis is endemic, with a seasonal increase in the southern summer. Although cases are identified throughout the year, the majority occur between January and June, when climatic conditions are most favorable for the survival of the bacteria in freshwater and wetlands.
Cases were reported in all areas of the island. No cluster cases or deaths have been identified to date.
It is important to remember that immunity against leptospirosis remains partial and temporary due to the antigenic complexity of leptospira. Thus, it is possible to have multiple infections.
- How to protect yourself from leptospirosis? -
• Apply individual protection measures:
- Wear gloves, boots or closed shoes, glasses... when gardening, picking up waste, moving bulky items or carrying out "la kour" breeding
- Do not walk barefoot, or in slippers, for activities in wet or muddy environments at home or outdoors (muddy ground, in puddles, stagnant water, ravines)
- Protect your wounds from contact with water (waterproof dressings), wash them with drinking water and disinfect them as soon as possible after exposure
Farmers and livestock producers should be vigilant about wearing personal protective equipment. Regular hand washing is recommended.
• Keep a clean environment:
- Regularly maintain your yard (no bulky items or waste that could encourage rodent proliferation, etc.)
- Eliminate all food sources for rodents, including leftover pet food
- If you raise poultry at home, ensure that the feed intended for these animals is not accessible to rodents.
• Respect swimming bans in areas marked as risky. In the event of cloudy water, it is recommended to postpone freshwater leisure activities. These preventive measures should be applied particularly after periods of heavy rain because the risk of contact with contaminated wetlands is then greater.
• Get vaccinated
The leptospirosis vaccine is reserved for certain at-risk occupational groups or people who regularly engage in high-risk recreational activities, after a medical assessment. This vaccination complements preventive measures.
- Reminder on leptospirosis -
Leptospirosis is a serious disease: if not treated in time, it can lead to hospitalization or even death.
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).
In case of symptoms (sudden onset of high fever (often > 39°C), severe fatigue, muscle, joint and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, severe headache):
• Consult your doctor quickly because early and appropriate therapeutic treatment (antibiotics prescribed on medical advice) can limit the progression to a serious form.
• Inform him of any risky activities carried out in the 3 weeks preceding the onset of the symptoms. The doctor may prescribe a laboratory test to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
Since August 2023, leptospirosis has been a notifiable disease.
The ARS offers patients the opportunity to carry out an environmental survey at home in order to identify potential sources of exposure and risky activities carried out.
https://imazpress.com/actus-reunion/leptospirose-2
Seasonal upsurge underway
Leptospirosis: 109 cases reported since the beginning of the year
Published on June 13, 2025 at 3:28 p.m.
Between January 1st and June 11th, 2025, 109 cases were reported to the Regional Health Agency of Réunion, representing two new cases since the previous week. These cases were still predominantly men (94%). The median age of cases was 55 years. The seasonal upsurge is still ongoing. We are publishing the press release below.
In Réunion, leptospirosis is endemic, with a seasonal increase in the southern summer. Although cases are identified throughout the year, the majority occur between January and June, when climatic conditions are most favorable for the survival of the bacteria in freshwater and wetlands.
Cases were reported in all areas of the island. No cluster cases or deaths have been identified to date.
It is important to remember that immunity against leptospirosis remains partial and temporary due to the antigenic complexity of leptospira. Thus, it is possible to have multiple infections.
- How to protect yourself from leptospirosis? -
• Apply individual protection measures:
- Wear gloves, boots or closed shoes, glasses... when gardening, picking up waste, moving bulky items or carrying out "la kour" breeding
- Do not walk barefoot, or in slippers, for activities in wet or muddy environments at home or outdoors (muddy ground, in puddles, stagnant water, ravines)
- Protect your wounds from contact with water (waterproof dressings), wash them with drinking water and disinfect them as soon as possible after exposure
Farmers and livestock producers should be vigilant about wearing personal protective equipment. Regular hand washing is recommended.
• Keep a clean environment:
- Regularly maintain your yard (no bulky items or waste that could encourage rodent proliferation, etc.)
- Eliminate all food sources for rodents, including leftover pet food
- If you raise poultry at home, ensure that the feed intended for these animals is not accessible to rodents.
• Respect swimming bans in areas marked as risky. In the event of cloudy water, it is recommended to postpone freshwater leisure activities. These preventive measures should be applied particularly after periods of heavy rain because the risk of contact with contaminated wetlands is then greater.
• Get vaccinated
The leptospirosis vaccine is reserved for certain at-risk occupational groups or people who regularly engage in high-risk recreational activities, after a medical assessment. This vaccination complements preventive measures.
- Reminder on leptospirosis -
Leptospirosis is a serious disease: if not treated in time, it can lead to hospitalization or even death.
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).
In case of symptoms (sudden onset of high fever (often > 39°C), severe fatigue, muscle, joint and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, severe headache):
• Consult your doctor quickly because early and appropriate therapeutic treatment (antibiotics prescribed on medical advice) can limit the progression to a serious form.
• Inform him of any risky activities carried out in the 3 weeks preceding the onset of the symptoms. The doctor may prescribe a laboratory test to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
Since August 2023, leptospirosis has been a notifiable disease.
The ARS offers patients the opportunity to carry out an environmental survey at home in order to identify potential sources of exposure and risky activities carried out.
https://imazpress.com/actus-reunion/leptospirose-2