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Leptospirosis in Argentina

30 April 2014

An outbreak of leptospirosis has been detected in San Justo, Santa Fe Province. The Santa Fe Health Ministry has officially confirmed 6 cases, one person has died and 3 people are considered severely affected.

Advice for Travellers

Leptospirosis infection occurs worlewide but human cases are more common in tropical climates, areas where the standard of hygiene is poor and frequently follows flooding after heavy rains.

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.

Travellers should be aware of the risk and avoid exposure to contaminated water where possible.