Leptospirosis in Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rican Department of Health have reported (in Spanish) an increase in leptospirosis cases following the passage of Hurricane Fiona which hit Puerto Rico in mid September 2022 causing heavy rainfall and flooding.  There have been 108 suspected, probable or confirmed cases reported since early September. The towns of Mayagüez and San Juan, and Cagus municipality have reported the highest number of cases. 

So far in 2022, there have been 226 cases of leptospirosis, including 14 deaths reported on the Island.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans from the urine of infected animals (often rodents). Infection often occurs from water contaminated by infected animal urine.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers participating in adventure/ecotourism, water-based sports activities, athletic endurance events, mountain biking and military exercises have an increased chance of exposure, especially if travelling to high-risk destinations. Veterinarians and humanitarian relief/aid workers are at risk when travelling overseas to work.

Travellers at increased risk should be advised:

• of the risk of infection and to seek medical help after potential exposure if they become symptomatic
• to avoid exposure to potentially contaminated water especially of mucosa (swallowing/inhaling water) and abraded skin (including excoriated insect bites)
• to wear protective clothing if exposure is unavoidable
• to cover open skin lesions with waterproof plasters and wash/disinfect any injuries sustained during possible exposure
• to wash/shower thoroughly after possible exposure

No licensed vaccine is available in the UK for leptospirosis.

For further information, see TRAVAX Leptospirosis page.