3 Deaths and 9 Cases of Leptospirosis Spark Urgent National Health Response

An emergency inter-ministerial committee has been convened in Mauritius following three confirmed deaths from leptospirosis, as authorities struggle to contain a surge in waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

The high-level task force, chaired by Health Minister Anil Bachoo, met on Monday, 23 February, to coordinate a national response to a simultaneous rise in leptospirosis and chikungunya cases, compounded by the ongoing threat of dengue fever.

Rising Death Toll and Infection Rates

Health officials confirmed that nine cases of leptospirosis have been identified during the current rainy season.

While the disease has been detected across the island, the southern regions have emerged as hotspots.

Dr Fazil Khodabocus, Acting Director of Health Services, warned that the current climate has created a “very favourable” environment for the transmission of the bacteria, which is spread through the urine of infected rats.

“This is a serious illness that must not be trivialised,” Dr Khodabocus said, noting that without rapid treatment, the disease can lead to jaundice, kidney failure, and lung complications. Statistics show a mortality rate of 10% to 20% in clinical cases.

Labourers at Risk

The outbreak has hit manual labourers particularly hard, specifically field workers and refuse collectors.

The Ministry of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Unit (CDCU) is currently identifying high-risk professions to intensify awareness campaigns.

Authorities have issued an urgent plea for workers to wear protective boots and gloves to prevent infection through open wounds, especially when working in muddy or flooded areas.

The public has also been advised to wash drink cans before consumption and avoid walking barefoot.

Chikungunya Situation “Worsening”

The health crisis is further complicated by a deteriorating chikungunya outbreak. Despite containment efforts, Dr Khodabocus admitted the situation is “worsening instead of improving.”

On Saturday, 21 February, 11 new cases were detected in known clusters including Stanley and Roches-Brunes.

The virus is now spreading to new areas such as Vacoas and Pamplemousses. Since the start of the year, Mauritius has recorded 117 local cases, with approximately 40 remaining active.

Union Demands “Electroshock” for Policy Makers

The surge has drawn sharp criticism from the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP).

Union President Reaz Chuttoo described the deaths as an “electroshock” for the government, citing a 15-year delay in implementing binding waste collection regulations.

The CTSP is calling for the formal recognition of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 191 on biological risks to protect exposed workers.

Mr Chuttoo warned that the union is considering legal action if concrete safety measures are not established.

Coordinated Response

The new committee includes representatives from Environment, Agro-industry, Local Government, and Tourism.

“It is very important that we have the collaboration of other ministries to better tackle these problems,” Dr Khodabocus stated.

Further coordination meetings are scheduled for the coming weeks as authorities monitor whether additional sectors need to be mobilised.

Source: Defi Media