During 2017, the increase in the number of cases of leptospirosis continued with 76 deaths and 776 suspected cases during the year which is a 7% increase over 2016, when there were 72 deaths and 707 cases.
In the last week the epidemiology system reported 16 suspected cases throughout the country, of which three were in Santo Domingo, three in San Pedro de Macorís and two in Barahona. The other eight cases were scattered throughout other provinces.
According to bulletin number 50 that was for the week ending 16 December, in the last four weeks there have been 81 suspected cases reported to authorities with the Metropolitan region having the highest number.
The General Epidemiology Department (DIGEPI) at the Health Ministry attributes the increase in cases and deaths due to leptospirosis this year to the floods following hurricanes which led to prolonged periods of standing water in many low-lying areas.
Leptospirosis is transmitted to humans by contact with animal urine, including rats. The symptoms are fever, weakness, headache, bleeding, muscular pain and chills among others.
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Listin Diario
2 January 2018
