Leptospirosis Outbreak: 12 Deaths, 63 Cases Recorded so Far

Mauritius is facing an outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through the urine of rats, which has claimed the lives of 12 people since the start of the year. The Minister of Health, Kailesh Jagutpal, has issued a warning to the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to the minister, a total of 63 cases of leptospirosis have been reported since January, with three patients currently hospitalized.

The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated food, surfaces, or water sources.

The authorities are urging the public to maintain cleanliness in public areas, such as markets and fairs, to prevent the spread of the disease.

The minister specifically mentioned Rue Magon in Port-Louis, where food waste is often left unattended, attracting rats and increasing the risk of transmission.

“We need to take immediate action to prevent the spread of this disease,” Minister Jagutpal said.

“It is crucial to present ourselves at a health center, public or private, for proper diagnosis and treatment if symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and headaches occur.”

The minister also emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures, especially for manual workers who come into contact with potentially contaminated environments.

Dengue Fever Remains a Threat

Meanwhile, dengue fever remains a threat to public health, with 45 cases reported over the past two weeks.

The majority of these cases have been reported in the districts of Pamplemousses and Rivière-du-Rempart.

The regions are facing unique challenges, with abandoned lands and broken pipes from the Central Water Authority (CWA) causing stagnant water accumulation, which is conducive to mosquito breeding.

A targeted meeting will be held on Thursday to discuss measures to eliminate dengue cases in these regions.

The minister appealed to the public to remain vigilant and take precautions even in areas where no cases have been reported recently.

Elephantiasis Prevention Campaign Launched

The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to prevent elephantiasis (filariose), a severe disease caused by parasites transmitted by mosquitoes.

The initiative primarily targets foreign workers who will be treated with antiparasitic medication to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Foreign workers present in Mauritius can receive medication to prevent this disease,” Minister Jagutpal said.

“It is essential for employers and contractors of foreign workers to ensure they receive appropriate medication.”

The ministry has already begun stocking up on necessary medication for treating and preventing parasitic infections.

The minister urged all employers and contractors to ensure their foreign workers receive the necessary medication.

Elephantiasis is characterized by severe swelling of limbs, particularly the feet, which can become comparable to those of an elephant.

This condition is caused by a microbe transmitted through mosquito bites.

If an infected mosquito does not transmit the microbe from an infected person to another person, the spread of the disease is interrupted.

This prevention campaign targets all foreign workers, regardless of when they arrived in Mauritius. The goal is to prevent the emergence of elephantiasis and protect the population from this debilitating disease.

Source: Defi Media