HAWAII LEPTOSPIROSIS RATES ON THE RISE

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is cautioning residents and visitors to protect themselves against leptospirosis. An increase in the number of cases reported to DOH - 21 cases this year, compared to only four for the same period last year – has health officials encouraging people to take preventative measures.

To reduce the risk of contracting leptospirosis:

• Do not swim, wade or play in fresh water or mud when you have cuts or abrasions.
• When swimming, do not place your head underwater.
• Do not drink stream water, without boiling or chemically treating it first.
• Keep water catchment collection areas free from overhanging branches and prevent access to these areas by animals.
• Drain potentially contaminated areas of standing water.
• Control rats, mice and mongooses around the home and at work sites. (Call the Department of Health Vector Control Branch on each island for advice.)
• Vaccinate pets and farm animals.

Known exposure sites and all state and county parks that have fresh water streams or ponds are regularly posted with leptospirosis warning signs. Residents and visitors should use additional caution when coming in contact with fresh water.

“It is a concern that so many cases have occurred during a normally low incidence period,” said David Sasaki, DVM, DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division. “Historically two-thirds of our leptospirosis cases occur during the second half of the year, during the warmer weather when there is increased outdoor activity and more people swim in fresh water streams.”

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is primarily carried by rats and mice, although dogs, pigs, cattle and horses can also become infected. The disease is generally transmitted to humans by exposure to fresh water that is contaminated with urine from infected animals. Infection can take place when contaminated water enters the body through the mouth, nose, eyes or open wounds.

Individuals who develop flu-like symptoms (high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting) and have had fresh water, mud or animal exposure during the preceding three weeks, should immediately see a physician and inform the doctor of any environmental exposures and skin wounds.

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For More Information Contact:
Janice Okubo
Department of Health
Communications Director
Phone: (808) 586-4442
Email: jsokubo@mail.health.state.hi.us

Laura M. Lott
Department of Health
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
Email: lmlott@mail.health.state.hi.us