During the week ending February 14, health officials in French Polynesia reported six leptospirosis cases, five of which required hospitalization, including 2 in intensive care.
So far in 2026, 23 laboratory‑confirmed cases of leptospirosis have been reported in French Polynesia since the beginning of the year. The increase in cases has been linked to recent heavy rainfall, with several patients presenting severe forms of disease.
Among reported cases, 21 individuals required hospitalisation, including nine admissions to intensive care, and one death has been recorded.
Leptospirosis has affected primarily men with a median age of 43 years, frequently reporting skin wounds and recent exposure to wet or flooded environments potentially contaminated by animal urine.
Health authorities have reinforced vigilance during the rainy season and emphasise the importance of early clinical recognition and prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent severe outcomes.