Czech Republic reports 1st leptospirosis case linked to 2024 floods
In addition to all the devastation the 2024 Central European floods in the Czech Republic, caused by Storm Boris, did, Czech Republic health officials have also reported the first case of leptospirosis.
A 64-year-old man from the Moravian-Silesian region who was caught in the flood wave in mid-September and thus came into direct contact with contaminated water. Officials suspect the man probably drank the flood water, but the infection could have entered his body in other ways, for example through injured skin. His condition still requires a hospital stay. He came to the doctor only on the 11th day after being in the water, complaining of leg pain, walking disorders, weakness and confusion. A blood test subsequently showed leptospirosis. He is treated with antibiotics.
"The regional hygiene station is still in the field in the flooded areas and is conducting an investigation. Even in connection with this first infection, we inform people to carefully monitor their health. It is important to note that leptospirosis is not transmissible from person to person, so there is no need to look for contacts of the sick person, but it is necessary to repeat and emphasize prevention by scrupulous adherence to hygiene and the use of protective equipment,"  said Zuzana Babišová, director of the Regional Hygiene Station of the Moravian-Silesian Region, based in Ostrava.
The infection manifests itself in the same way as the flu and is difficult to recognize, high fevers are present, it does not last long and has a good prognosis, but unfortunately it can also develop into a more severe form, where there is also inflammation of the meninges and there is a risk of rapid organ failure.
Precisely because of its ambiguous symptoms, it is important to inform a doctor immediately if you do not feel well and have been in a flood-affected area.
"In addition to strict protection and hygiene, it is of course essential to use only clean drinking water for eating and washing food, and we strongly recommend throwing away all food that has come into contact with flood water, including those that appear to be hermetically sealed. Some packaging does not have to be technologically 100% waterproof, in other places the infection can hide, for example, under the lid of canned food in the folds, even damage or leakage invisible to the eye is enough, there is no point in taking risks,"  emphasizes the director of the Public Health Protection Department of the MZČR, Matyáš Fošum.
During the recent floods, over 200 rivers overflowed, with Northern Moravia, particularly JesenÃk, Opava, and Ostrava, among the hardest-hit areas. The rain totals in parts of JesenÃk exceeded 500 mm (20 inches), surpassing previous flood records. Roads, railways, and bridges suffered extensive damage, especially in Ostrava, where train services were suspended. These regions experienced severe flooding, leading to the destruction of homes and infrastructure. Thousands of people were evacuated, and approximately 250,000 were left without electricity. The rain totals in parts of JesenÃk exceeded 500 mm (20 inches), surpassing previous flood records. Roads, railways, and bridges suffered extensive damage, especially in Ostrava, where train services were suspended. The situation remains critical in parts of the South Bohemian Region, where ongoing threats of further flooding persist. As of 19 September, five fatalities were reported, along with widespread displacement of about 10,000 residents.