Summary

In Réunion, the epidemiology of leptospirosis varies significantly from year to year depending on the rainy season, with a higher risk of infection during years of heavy rainfall (such as in 2010, or in 2014 following Cyclone Bejisa).

As of April 8, 2018, the number of identified leptospirosis cases is higher compared to previous years for the same period, and particularly affects the south and west of the island, unlike in previous years (when the east and center of the island were affected).

This situation may be linked to the heavy rains and unusual weather events at the start of this year, which have particularly impacted the south and west of the island. Currently, during the period most conducive to infection (January through May), the number of cases could continue to rise.

Investigations are ongoing to characterize the cases and their risk exposures.

With the participation of the Réunion University Hospital laboratory and private laboratories, additional analyses are underway at the National Reference Center for Leptospira to attempt to identify the Leptospira (genomic species and/or serogroup) involved and to better characterize this outbreak.