Peru reports 3,590 leptospirosis cases through March 23

According to the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control (CDC-Peru) of the Ministry of Health, 3,590 leptospirosis cases have been reported nationwide as of March 23. Thirteen percent of cases were confirmed, while 87 percent are classified as probable.

The number of people affected is the highest in the last five years and 1.6 times more cases compared with the same period of last year.

Two deaths have been reported.

The Loreto department has reported the most cases by far with 58 percent of all cases nationally, followed by followed by Madre de Dios (9.6%) and Ucayali (9.4%) departments.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that has a worldwide distribution, being endemic in tropical regions and with epidemic potential. It is caused by the bacteria Leptospira interrogans and can affect both humans and animals, whether domestic or wild, which means a serious public health problem.

It is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine of infected animals or through water, soil or food contaminated with that urine.

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The clinical manifestations of leptospirosis are similar to other diseases and can be confused with influenza, dengue, malaria, yellow fever and other diseases.

Some people with leptospirosis do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), red eyes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and sometimes a rash.

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Without proper treatment with antibiotics, people with leptospirosis may develop serious problems with their kidneys, liver, or lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). In some cases, leptospirosis can cause death.