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Leptospirosis in Peru

02 May 2012

An increase in the number of leptospirosis cases has been reported following severe flooding in Loreto region in the north of Peru. As of 24 April 2012, 260 probable cases have been identified, of those 36 have been confirmed; this compares with 140 for the same time period in 2011.

Advice for Travellers

Leptospirosis is caused by contact with fresh water, wet soil, or vegetation that has been contaminated by urine of animals that are chronically infected. The infection is transmitted through unhealed breaks in the skin, the eyes, or the mucous membranes. Rats, dogs, cattle, and pigs are the usual reservoirs for this organism. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide and frequently follows flooding after heavy rains.