Leptospirosis in Honduras

Honduras Ministry of Health have reported (in Spanish) an increase of leptospirosis cases.  So far in 2022, 146 suspected cases have been reported from 11 of the 18 departments (regions) of Honduras including Metropolitan Central District, Metropolitan San Pedro Sula, Atlantida, Comayagua, Cortes, Choluteca, El Paraiso, Gracias a Dios, La Paz, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle and Yoro.

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

Honduras has suffered recent severe flooding which can cause an increase in rodent activity. In September 2022, the Honduras government declared a 90-day state of emergency in order to respond to the consequences of floods in the country.

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.