7 deaths so far from leptospirosis this year

There have been 7 deaths so far this year from leptospirosis

The Ministry of Health says there have also been 610 leptospirosis laboratory confirmed cases from January 1st to March 23rd 2025.

The Ministry says there have been 117 leptospirosis hospital admissions from January 1st to March 23rd, 2025 with more cases expected as health facilities continue to report cases.

They say the Central Division has reported a total of 40 cases with 1 confirmed death.

The Western Division has reported a total of 34 Leptospirosis admissions with 3 confirmed Leptospirosis deaths.

The Northern Division has reported 39 Leptospirosis admissions with 3 confirmed Leptospirosis deaths.

The Eastern Division has reported 4 Leptospirosis cases.

The Ministry says 217 laboratory confirmed cases reported from the Central Division, 173 laboratory confirmed cases from the Northern Division, 200 laboratory confirmed cases from the Western Division, and 20 laboratory confirmed cases from the Eastern Division.

They are urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventative measures against Leptospirosis, following the heavy rain and flooding over the past weeks.

They say although the current trends are below the outbreak thresholds, these numbers are expected to rise as Leptospirosis trends usually increase from the months of January to April.

The Ministry says clinicians have been reminded to manage suspected leptospirosis cases in accordance with recommended clinical management guidelines, and virtual awareness sessions on clinical management have been conducted.

They say this is to encourage early recognition, treatment, and referral of cases as required.

The Ministry says Divisional and Subdivisional health teams have also been trained to investigate cases and implement necessary public health prevention and control measures, including the collaboration with relevant animal health authorities for targeted vector surveillance and control.

They say more cases of leptospirosis are expected every year during the rainy season from October to April and following periods of adverse weather conditions.

The Ministry says in anticipation of this increase in cases, of communicable diseases, such as leptospirosis, and to advise the public on prevention of such diseases, awareness continues both in mass media and on official Ministry social media pages.

They say community engagement by the Ministry’s Divisional and Sub-Divisional teams has also continued throughout the rainy season.

The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to learn about leptospirosis, take precautions to prevent infection, and present early to a medical facility should you develop symptoms.