Since the beginning of the year, 20 cases have been identified

Twenty cases of leptospirosis have been detected in Mauritius since the start of the year, including five in April, according to a Ministry of Health press release on Saturday. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be contracted through contact with water contaminated with rodent urine, which can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth and chapped skin. Symptoms include high fever accompanied by chills, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Leptospirosis can progress to renal, hepatic, or pulmonary complications. The number of cases of leptospirosis may increase after rainstorms leading to pooling of water. If symptoms of leptospirosis appear, it is recommended to immediately contact a medical center or call 8924.