La Reunion - Leptospirosis cases 2026

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Leptospirosis in Reunion Island: increase in cases and a call for vigilance from all

Press release

February 13, 2026

Since January 1, 2026, 25 cases of leptospirosis, including one death, have been reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion. Those affected had engaged in activities with a high risk of infection (gardening, agricultural work, or freshwater recreation) without appropriate protective equipment.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion, in conjunction with Public Health France and the National Health Insurance, is calling for increased vigilance and reiterating the importance of taking protective measures during activities involving exposure to water or mud: wearing boots and gloves, protecting wounds, and consulting a doctor promptly if symptoms appear. Free vaccination is also available for those most at risk, particularly farmers, livestock breeders, and people who regularly participate in recreational activities that carry a risk of exposure.

Download the full press release

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/index.php/leptospirose-la-reunion-augmentation-des-cas-et-appel-la-vigilance-de-tous
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Significant resurgence of leptospirosis cases: the Regional Health Agency (ARS) is strengthening prevention, clinical surveillance, and the mobilization of healthcare professionals.

News
February 27, 2026

Since the beginning of 2026, Réunion has experienced a marked resurgence of leptospirosis. The number of cases far exceeds the levels usually recorded during the rainy season. To date, 58 cases have been confirmed (39 cases in January and 19 cases in February). The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reports 1 death and 14 hospitalizations, including 5 in critical care.

The southern (20 cases) and eastern (15 cases) sectors are particularly affected. Faced with this worrying situation, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion is strengthening prevention and information measures and is calling on the entire population, healthcare professionals, local authorities, and those working on the ground to be more vigilant.

Epidemiological situation

Leptospirosis is a severe bacterial infection transmitted through contact with fresh water or damp environments (mud, vegetation, etc.) contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

The disease is endemic in Réunion. However, the number of cases recorded at the beginning of this year is particularly high, recalling the dynamics observed in 2024, a record year with 295 cases and 6 deaths.

Cases have been identified in several micro-regions of the island, with diverse exposures:

1. Agricultural activities, market gardening, gardening and livestock farming
2. Work or cleaning in wet environments
3. Freshwater leisure activities (swimming, fishing, canyoning),
4. Walking barefoot or in open shoes in fresh water or contaminated environments

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https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/...-renforce-la-prevention-la-vigilance-clinique


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Translation Google

Leptospirosis: 75 confirmed cases and one death since the beginning of the year

Published on March 13, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Updated on March 13, 2026 at 5:09 PM

A seasonal resurgence of leptospirosis is currently underway at a high level, Public Health France warned on Friday, March 13, 2026. Since the beginning of the year, 75 cases and 1 death have been reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS). (Illustration photo: Stéphan Laï-Yu/www.imazpress.com)

"The southern summer, with climatic conditions favorable to the survival of the bacteria in fresh water and humid environments, increases the risk of contamination during activities conducted in these environments without sufficient protection," notes SPF.

Among these cases:
- 20 occurred during the month of January, 42 in February and 13 in March
- 39 resided in the South of the island (including 16 cases in Le Tampon, 8 in Saint-Louis and 7 in Saint-Joseph) and 26 in the East sector (including 13 cases in Saint-Benoît and 6 in Saint-André).

The seasonal resurgence began at a high level. The number of cases in January 2026 (20) and February (42) was higher than the 2021-2025 average.
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https://imazpress.com/toute-l-actu/...firmes-et-un-deces-depuis-le-debut-de-l-annee

 

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Translation Google

Saint-Benoît: Suspected case of leptospirosis at Bassin Mangue, swimming is prohibited

Following the closure of Bassin Bleu a few weeks ago, Bassin Mangue is now also closed to swimming. The city of Saint-Benoît announced this Friday, March 27th, that a report from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) indicates a suspected case of leptospirosis at the site. Swimming and water sports are therefore prohibited until further notice.

By Hermione Razafinarivo
Published on March 27, 2026 at 3:32 AM
Updated on March 27, 2026 at 06:52


Cases of leptospirosis have exploded in recent weeks in Réunion. In Saint-Benoit, a suspected case of leptospirosis has been reported by the Regional Health Agency at the Bassin Mangue site.

102 cases of leptospirosis

According to the latest epidemiological update from Public Health France on Friday, March 27, leptospirosis continues to be a problem in Réunion. In one week, eleven additional cases were reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion. In March alone, with the month not yet over, 23 new cases of leptospirosis have been reported on the island (42 in February, 21 in January). Nearly half of the cases expected in 2026 are in the South, including 42 in Le Tampon alone.

102 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year.

Swimming is prohibited in the Mango Basin

Swimming in the Mango Basin is therefore impossible until further notice. "This decision follows a report from the Regional Health Agency, mentioning a suspected case of leptospirosis at this site. In accordance with the health recommendations of the ARS and in order to guarantee the safety and health of users, the municipality has decided to temporarily suspend all swimming activities ," writes the City of Saint-Benoit.

"This ban will remain in effect until further notice, while we ensure that health conditions allow for the safe reopening of the site," the municipality stated. The municipality urges users to strictly adhere to this ban and thanks the public for their understanding and vigilance.

https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/reunio...mangue-la-baignade-est-interdite-1685711.html

 

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Translation Google​
Significant resurgence of leptospirosis cases: the Regional Health Agency (ARS) calls for vigilance.

News
April 3, 2026​​​​​​​

Since the beginning of 2026, Réunion has experienced a marked resurgence of leptospirosis. The number of cases far exceeds the levels usually recorded during the rainy season. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is calling for vigilance from everyone and is strengthening prevention efforts, clinical monitoring, and the mobilization of healthcare professionals.

Epidemiological situation

(Public Health France data as of 03/04/2026)

Since the beginning of the year :

1. 114 cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Reunion Island (including 12 confirmed cases between March 27 and April 3, 2026)
2. 50 hospitalizations
3. 1 death

The sectors particularly affected:

1. The South (47 cases, mainly in Tampon, Saint-Louis and Saint-Joseph)
2. The East (39 cases, mainly in Saint-Benoît and Saint-André)

The other cases were reported in the North sector (14 cases) and in the West (14 cases).

Faced with this worrying situation, the ARS La Réunion has strengthened prevention and information measures and calls on the entire population, health professionals, communities and field actors to be more vigilant.
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https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/...cas-de-leptospirose-lars-appelle-la-vigilance
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Translation Google​

Significant resurgence of leptospirosis cases: the Regional Health Agency (ARS) calls for vigilance.

News
April 10, 2026

Since the beginning of 2026, Réunion has experienced a marked resurgence of leptospirosis. The number of cases far exceeds the levels usually recorded during the rainy season. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is calling for vigilance from everyone and is strengthening prevention efforts, clinical monitoring, and the mobilization of healthcare professionals.

Epidemiological situation

(Public Health France data as of 10/04/2026)

Since the beginning of the year :

1. 135 cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Réunion (including 21 confirmed cases between April 3 and 10, 2026)
2. 54 hospitalizations
3. 1 death

The sectors particularly affected:

1. The South (54 cases, mainly in Tampon, Saint-Louis and Saint-Joseph)
2. The East (45 cases, mainly in Saint-Benoît and Saint-André)

The other cases were reported in the North sector (16 cases) and in the West (20 cases).

Faced with this worrying situation, the ARS La Réunion has strengthened prevention and information measures and calls on the entire population, health professionals, communities and field actors to be more vigilant.

...

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/...cas-de-leptospirose-lars-appelle-la-vigilance

 

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Image translated by Google

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https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/system/files/2026-04/ARS_Leptospirose_vigilance_21042026_0.pdf

 

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Translation Google

Leptospirosis remains "at a high level", with 16 cases already recorded in May.

Written by Zinfos974 – Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:19 PM

Public Health France continues to warn of a high rate of leptospirosis transmission in Réunion. Since the beginning of the year, 189 cases have already been recorded, with a record peak reached in March. Health authorities are urging vigilance, particularly during freshwater activities.

Leptospirosis continues to circulate actively in Réunion. In its latest weekly bulletin published this Friday, May 22, Public Health France confirms "the ongoing seasonal resurgence of leptospirosis at a high level ." Since January 1, 189 cases have been reported on the island, and 16 have already been recorded during the month of May.

Health authorities emphasize that the climatic conditions of the southern summer have favored the survival of the bacteria in humid environments and fresh water, thus increasing the risk of contamination. "The southern summer, with climatic conditions favorable to the survival of the bacteria in fresh water and humid environments, increases the risk of contamination during activities conducted in these environments without sufficient protection ," the weekly bulletin states.

A historic peak reached in March

Of the 189 cases recorded since the beginning of the year, 21 were registered in January, 42 in February, 68 in March, 42 in April, and already 16 in May. Public Health France notes that "the peak was reached in March at a level never before seen since surveillance began."

March thus surpassed the previous records observed in 2024, a year already particularly marked by the disease. "March, with 68 cases, exceeds the maximum reached in 2024 ," the health agency further emphasizes.

While a decline appears to have begun in April, authorities remain cautious. "The seasonal resurgence continues ," Public Health France reminds us.

The South remains the most affected region, accounting for 43% of recorded cases, or 82 infections. Le Tampon alone accounts for 27 cases, followed by Saint-Joseph with 22 cases and Saint-Louis with 13 cases. The East represents 29% of cases, with a high concentration in Saint-Benoît and Saint-André.

The disease continues to cause severe cases. Among the patients for whom data were available, 92 were hospitalized, representing 62% of cases. One death directly linked to leptospirosis has also been recorded since the beginning of the year.

Public Health France also draws attention to the increase in infections linked to freshwater recreation. "This year, the number of cases reporting suspected contamination linked to freshwater recreation (swimming, fishing, canyoning, etc.) is higher than in 2025 ," the bulletin indicates, with 33 cases already reported compared to 12 at the same time last year.

https://www.zinfos974.com/la-leptospirose-demeure-a-un-niveau-eleve-deja-16-cas-recenses-en-mai/

 

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Images translated by Google

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https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/sites/default/files/2026-06/bullreg_la_reunion_20260619.pdf