Leptospirosis is a serious and potentially fatal disease that has recently become a public health concern in Dominica. The Ministry of Health’s latest report on the Leptospirosis outbreak in Dominica, released on April 20, 2025, revealed seven new suspected cases, bringing the total to 17. Of the initial 10 suspected cases, first announced in early March 2025, two were confirmed by CARPHA, and one death was reported. During the April 20th update, National Epidemiologist, Dr. Shallaudin Ahmed stated that all patients were responding well to treatment and that no additional fatalities had occurred.
In this article, Dominica News Online (DNO) attempts to highlight critical information about the disease, its causes, and how residents can protect themselves and their families by helping to prevent infection and control the spread of leptospirosis. Some of the information in the article is drawn from an interview with veterinarian, Dr. Rick Stobaeus, on the Jolly’s Pharmacy “Health Vibes” radio programme.
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted primarily through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents and dogs. It can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, chills, and in severe cases, organ failure. Prompt medical attention and early treatment are vital to prevent fatalities.
Key Causes and Indicators
– Unsanitary Environments: Poor waste disposal and littering attract rodents, which are primary carriers of leptospirosis.
– Rodent Presence: The presence of snakes in an area can serve as an indicator of rodent activity, since snakes feed on rodents. An environment with snakes suggests a high rodent population, which increases leptospirosis risk.
– Contaminated Water and Food: Water sources and unwashed produce can harbor bacteria from rodent urine, especially during the fruit season when children may eat fallen or unwashed fruits unsupervised.
Preventive Measures
1. Environmental Sanitation
– Proper Waste Management: All food scraps should be composted, and trash must be securely contained. Littering, especially from buses and public spaces, must stop, as it creates breeding grounds for rodents.
– Community Clean-Up: Regular clean-up campaigns and improved waste disposal infrastructure help reduce environmental contamination.
– Avoid Killing Snakes: Snakes help control rodent populations, so their presence indicates a balanced ecosystem. Killing them can lead to increased rodent numbers.
2. Personal Hygiene and Food Safety
– Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Use vinegar to wash produce, especially during the fruit season, to reduce bacteria, snails, and other contaminants.
– Handle Wild Meat Carefully: Wild animals like manicou and agouti, should be thoroughly cleaned—soaking in barrels or cages for weeks to eliminate worms and bacteria—and cooked thoroughly to temperatures of 150-160°C.
– Supervise Children: During the fruit season, especially when children are on vacation, supervise them to prevent the eating of fallen or unwashed fruits that may be contaminated.
3. Pet Care and Vaccination
– Vaccinate Dogs: Puppies should receive their first leptospirosis vaccine as early as three weeks, followed by boosters at six, nine, and twelve weeks.
– Deworming: Deworm dogs at two, four, and six weeks to reduce worm loads that could harbor bacteria.
– Responsible Feeding: Feed dogs in shaded areas, preferably in the mornings, and remove leftover food immediately to prevent attracting rodents.
4. Wildlife and Rodent Control
– Monitor Rodent Activity: Signs of rodent activity should prompt immediate action. The presence of snakes can indicate areas with high rodent populations, guiding targeted control efforts.
5. Health Precautions
– Seek Medical Attention Promptly: If symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, or chills occur, visit a healthcare provider immediately. Do not self-medicate or rely solely on telemedicine.
– Use Antibiotics if Exposed: If you suspect contact with contaminated water or animals, consult a doctor about prophylactic treatment with doxycycline to reduce infection risk.
Community Responsibility
Controlling leptospirosis is a collective effort. Every resident must take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, managing waste responsibly, vaccinating pets, and practicing good hygiene. Awareness and early intervention can significantly reduce the number of severe cases and fatalities.
Conclusion
Leptospirosis remains a public health threat in Dominica, closely linked to environmental sanitation, animal health, and personal hygiene. Simple practices—such as washing produce with vinegar, proper waste disposal, responsible pet care, and prompt medical attention—are effective strategies to protect yourself and your community. Continued public education and community engagement are vital for controlling and eventually reducing this outbreak.
Stay vigilant, practice good hygiene, and work together to keep Dominica safe from leptospirosis.
