Health authorities have revealed hat an adult has died this week as a result of leptospirosis with co-infection from dengue.
And Senior Medical Officer Dr Karen Springer has warned the public to be extremely careful since there has been a rise in dengue cases, with 220 being recorded up to September 29, compared with 138 cases during the same period last year.
Springer reminded the public to check premises for mosquito-breeding places, and cover water containers and drums or dispose of them in a proper manner.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of dengue, including sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain; as well as symptoms of severe dengue such as bleeding from the nose, mouth and gums, frequent vomiting, severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention at once,” the health official advised.
The symptoms of leptospirosis, the doctor said, included flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, eye inflammation and muscle ache, nausea and vomiting.
“It can be contracted through contact with water, damp soil or vegetation contaminated with the urine of infected animals,” she said.
While rodents were the main carriers of leptospirosis in Barbados, the disease could also be transmitted by pigs, horses, cattle and dogs, therefore protective clothing should be worn at all times when participating in outdoor work or recreational activities, she said.
Twenty-nine cases of leptospirosis have been recorded so far this year. Last year, there were 44, resulting in three deaths. (BGIS)
