Nicaragua: Leptospirosis Outbreak in Leon, Chinandega, and Elsewhere

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | October 27th, 2010 | Trackback

Health officials reported 16 deaths and 600 suspected cases of leptospirosis in the past month. The disease is spread through water contaminated with the urine of wild and domestic animals and is a potential risk for anyone who bathes, swims or is otherwise exposed to it in rivers, lakes or pools filled with fresh water. It can also be contracted by eating food that has been exposed to contaminated water, or brushing teeth with it. Most cases have been in the cities of Leon and Chinandega, but eight other departments have reported cases. Symptoms include fever with sudden headache, chills, severe muscle aches in the calves and thighs and conjunctivitis. The disease is difficult to diagnose and can last from three days to three weeks or longer.

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