Mauritius - Leptospirosis 2026

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Leptospirosis in Mauritius

9 cases, 3 deaths, 1 patient hospitalized

February 17, 2026 13:26
Peeyamvadah Bickharry​
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Since January 1, 2026, Mauritius has recorded 9 cases of leptospirosis, including 3 deaths. A patient in her fifties is currently hospitalized. Her condition is stable. The deceased individuals already had underlying health conditions and developed serious complications, including jaundice and kidney failure.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found worldwide. In Mauritius, it affects many people each year, especially during hot and humid periods. It is transmitted to humans primarily through the urine of rats. It is more prevalent during hot and humid periods, conditions favorable to the proliferation of the bacteria.

The illness typically begins with fever, headache, and muscle aches. In 5 to 20% of cases, it can progress to a severe form, especially in people with liver or kidney disease. It is treated with antibiotics when caught early.

Certain professions are more exposed: agricultural workers, garbage collectors, construction workers and anyone in contact with stagnant water or contaminated mud, especially in the case of wounds.

In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has strengthened prevention efforts. Dr. Fazil Khodabaccus, the acting director, indicates that rat extermination campaigns are being conducted in at-risk areas. Clear protocols are being applied for diagnosis and treatment, including laboratory testing and strict medical monitoring. The health control unit is also investigating to detect the presence of rats in areas frequented by patients.

To reduce risks, it is recommended to wear boots, gloves and goggles in hazardous environments, to avoid walking barefoot and to wash hands thoroughly after any contact with suspicious water or mud.

In previous years, cases had already been recorded: 80 in 2024 and 41 cases with 9 deaths in 2025. In Réunion, approximately 25 cases are reported each year. Leptospirosis remains present in Mauritius, but simple measures and prompt treatment help limit severe cases.

https://lexpress.mu/s/9-cas-3-deces-1-patient-hospitalise-554499​

 

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Public Health - Leptospirosis: Health officials fear a worsening of the situation

By Jean-Marie St Cyr
Published on: February 26, 2026 at 09:16

With ten confirmed cases and three deaths already since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Health is issuing a warning. Heavy rains could lead to a surge in infections, as Dr. Fazil Khodabocus points out.

Since the beginning of the year, ten cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed in Mauritius, with three deaths. The Ministry of Health remains on alert, fearing a worsening of the situation following the upcoming heavy rains. "Mauritius being a tropical country, it is during the rainy season that the resurgence of leptospirosis occurs," emphasizes Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, acting director of the health service.

The situation is similar, if not more concerning, in neighboring Réunion, where 32 cases have been recorded since January, including 19 in January and 13 in February, with one death. In Mauritius, the latest patient is currently in the intensive care unit of Dr. AG Jeetoo Hospital. Dr. Khodabocus recalls that during Cyclone Belal in 2024, 80 cases and 18 deaths – 12 of which were directly attributed to the disease – were recorded, while in 2025, 41 cases and nine deaths were reported. “Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease with a mortality rate that can reach up to 10%,” he emphasizes.

The disease is present worldwide, and its primary vector is the rat, which transmits the bacteria through its urine. Early symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. Serious complications can affect the kidneys, liver (leading to jaundice), or lungs.

“It’s important to consult a doctor at the first sign of symptoms to receive appropriate care,” Dr. Khodabocus reminds us. He recommends mentioning your occupation and any contact with rats to facilitate diagnosis. Treatment involves antibiotics, which must be taken promptly as prescribed by a doctor, as any delay can lead to complications.

Manual laborers—farmers, livestock breeders, and sanitation workers—are most at risk. “It’s important to take precautions, such as wearing gloves and boots, to avoid contact with the bacteria present in water or on surfaces contaminated by rat urine,” warns Dr. Khodabocus. He emphasizes that everyone must be vigilant: the bacteria can be found on a beverage can, hence the need to wash it before consumption. People with a cut or wound are particularly vulnerable, as this provides an entry point for the bacteria to enter the body.

At the multi-sectoral meeting on February 23, Health Minister Anil Bachoo announced measures to clean up all localities and prevent the proliferation of rats, particularly around markets and in gutters. Protective protocols are to be implemented for at-risk workers, and all relevant institutions are urged to collaborate.

“We are seeing that the problem is very real and could worsen, especially for those with minor, untreated wounds,” Dr. Khodabocus points out. Wearing protective equipment and ensuring proper wound healing are essential to limiting contamination.

The acting director urged residents to dispose of their waste properly and ensure that bins are closed to avoid attracting rodents. "If precautions aren't taken, it will attract rats to homes," he warned. A clean environment and thoroughly washed fruits and vegetables remain simple but essential steps to prevent infection.
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https://defimedia.info/sante-publique-leptospirose-la-sante-redoute-une-aggravation-de-la-situation

 

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Leptospirosis: 12 cases and three deaths, Anil Bachoo calls for general mobilization

By Defimedia.info
Published on: March 13, 2026 at 1:15 PM

Leptospirosis poses a serious danger and requires everyone's collaboration to be controlled. This was the conclusion of the second multi-sectoral meeting chaired by Anil Bachoo this Friday, March 13, in Ébène. Ministers Arvin Boolell and Ranjiv Woochit were also present.

The Minister of Health had invited representatives from public institutions, local administrations and the police to take stock of the situation.

To date, twelve cases have been recorded in the country and the disease has already claimed three victims.

Anil Bachoo is appealing to market gardeners, the private sector and the general population to avoid throwing their waste just anywhere.

https://defimedia.info/leptospirose...-anil-bachoo-appelle-la-mobilisation-generale

 

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Leptospirosis

Minister Bachoo asserts that Mauritius is facing a "more serious" strain than Reunion Island.

May 13 2026 10:30
By Vashish Nuckchhed​

The Minister of Health and Wellbeing, Anil Bachoo, extensively defended the government's strategy in response to the resurgence of communicable diseases during the Private Notice Question (PNQ) from the Leader of the Opposition, Joe Lesjongard, yesterday in the National Assembly. Chikungunya, leptospirosis, dengue fever, and measles dominated the discussion, with particular emphasis on the severity of the leptospirosis cases recorded in Mauritius.

Eleven officers from the Ministry of Health, including senior advisors , were present in the Chamber to support the Minister. He took nearly 20 minutes to respond and provided a detailed overview of the health situation in the country. He indicated that Mauritius had recorded 2,816 local cases of chikungunya, of which 102 were still active between January and May 11, 2026. Five imported cases had also been identified, and all patients involved had recovered. Regarding dengue fever, the Minister specified that only one local case and six imported cases had been detected, and no deaths had been recorded.

However, it was leptospirosis that sparked the most heated exchanges. The minister confirmed 21 cases recorded since the beginning of the year, including six deaths. He explained that all the deceased patients suffered from comorbidities and that some had been admitted to the hospital already in critical condition. He mentioned the case of a resident of Bambous who died before arriving at the hospital, and that of a patient from Camp-de-Masque found in serious condition after remaining alone at home for several days.

But it was a statement by the minister that garnered the most attention during this Parliamentary Question Time. Responding to criticism of the high mortality rate observed in Mauritius, Anil Bachoo asserted that the strain of leptospirosis present in the country was more serious than that found in Réunion. " Unfortunately, in Mauritius, we have the most serious type compared to Réunion and other countries. " He explained that more than 250 types of leptospirosis exist and that some strains cause much more severe complications, including pulmonary hemorrhages, kidney failure, and septic shock.

Anil Bachoo also attempted to justify the higher mortality rate in Mauritius by pointing to several factors. According to him, Mauritius primarily detects severe cases requiring hospitalization, unlike Reunion Island, where more mild cases are recorded. He also mentioned differences in case definitions, delays in medical care, and, above all, the high prevalence of diabetes in Mauritius. " More than 20% of our population are diabetic ," he emphasized, believing that this reality exacerbates the risk of complications for infected patients.

In response to Joe Lesjongard's questions about a possible failure in the healthcare system, the minister assured him that medical audits had already been launched regarding the six deaths linked to leptospirosis. He indicated that a report could be presented to the National Assembly. He also highlighted the work of Dr. Nackchhedy, whom he described as a " research scholar " within his ministry, and who had reportedly conducted an in-depth study of these cases.

During the session, the Minister of Health also detailed the measures deployed to contain the spread of communicable diseases. More than 25,000 building inspections have been carried out, while more than 105,000 sites have been treated with larvicides. Fumigation operations have been conducted in more than 81,000 locations, and some 100,000 sterile male mosquitoes are now being released weekly in certain regions of the country.

Joe Lesjongard also questioned the minister about the escape of a patient with mpox from Victoria Hospital. Anil Bachoo explained that the incident occurred during visiting hours and that it was impossible for nursing staff to monitor every movement in a hospital that receives hundreds of people daily.

The issue of hantavirus, detected on board the MV Hondius cruise ship off the coast of Cape Verde, was also raised by MP Farhad Aumeer, following recent cases reported abroad. Anil Bachoo stated that Mauritius was maintaining active border surveillance and that contacts were already in place with specialized laboratories in South Africa and Madagascar to conduct tests in case of suspected cases.


https://lexpress.mu/s/le-ministre-b...une-souche-plus-grave-qua-la-reunion-557891​​
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Leptospirosis: a new case recorded in Mauritius

By Defimedia.info
Published on: May 27, 2026 at 1:32 PM

A new case of leptospirosis is causing concern in the country.

He is a 45-year-old bricklayer, currently admitted to the intensive care unit of SAJ Hospital. His condition requires close medical monitoring.

Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, acting director of health services, indicates that rat extermination operations are continuing. He also calls on the public to remain vigilant and maintain good hygiene.

It should be noted that since the beginning of the year, 25 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in Mauritius.

https://defimedia.info/leptospirose-un-nouveau-cas-enregistre-maurice-0

 

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Leptospirosis: a 77-year-old woman in critical condition

By Defimedia.info
Published on: June 19, 2026 at 4:14 PM

A new case of leptospirosis has been detected. It involves a 77-year-old woman who is currently in critical condition.

According to initial reports, she regularly practices gardening, an activity that could promote exposure to the bacteria responsible for this disease.

Since the beginning of the year, 27 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in Mauritius.

https://defimedia.info/leptospirose-une-femme-de-77-ans-dans-un-etat-critique