THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH is alerting members of the public about an increase in cases of leptospirosis in Barbados within recent months.
Between June 19 and December 3, 31 cases of leptospirosis were confirmed, as compared with January 1 to June 18 when only six cases were recorded. Only one death was reported as a result of the disease.
The increase in cases during the latter months may be attributed to the higher levels of rainfall, as groundwater and flooding could help spread the bacteria.
People acquire leptospirosis by making contact with groundwater, wet soil, vegetation or foods that have been contaminated with the urine of infected rodents such as rats and mice. Avoiding such contact should aid in prevention.
Bacteria usually enter the body through mucous membranes or broken skin and on contaminated food. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria can reach all parts of the body and cause illness.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, nausea and vomiting, eye inflammation and muscle aches.
In more severe cases, the illness could result in liver damage and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), kidney failure, and internal bleeding.
People who are seriously ill with leptospirosis may be at risk of death and will often need to be hospitalized.
Protective clothing such as waterproof gloves and boots should be worn at all times when doing outdoor work or participating in recreational activities such as gardening or construction work, since unintentional exposure to contaminated water may occur. (BGIS)
