Health officials warn of leptospirosis risk after Hawaii floods | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The Hawaii Department of Health and the Hawaii Humane Society are asking residents and recovery workers to monitor for signs of leptospirosis in the wake of Kona Depression’s storm surge flooding.

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that can affect both people and pets. It is caused by Leptospira bacteria found in the urine of infected animals such as rats, mice, mongooses, livestock, and dogs.

Bacteria enter the body through broken skin, mouth, nose, and eyes. Human exposure can also occur through direct contact with urine, blood, or tissue from infected animals.

“Hawaii already has one of the highest rates of leptospirosis in the country due to its warm, humid climate,” HHS and DOH said in a news release, adding, “Floods like the recent Kona storm can spread contaminated soil and water over large areas and dramatically increase the risk of exposure.”

Symptoms in humans usually begin 5 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, headache, chills, sweats, muscle pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly a rash. However, it may take 2 to 30 days for symptoms to appear.

In pets, symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, decreased appetite or lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, dry mouth and increased urination, muscle pain or reluctance to move, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, which may indicate liver or kidney failure.

“Leptospirosis risk is typically increased in our communities after heavy rains or flooding, and this storm is no exception,” said Dr. Lisa Labrecque, chief veterinarian for the Hawaii Humane Society. “So many families are doing everything they can to weather this storm, and their pets are with them. If your pet begins to show signs of illness in the next few days, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, but this disease progresses rapidly and can be life-threatening if left untreated.”

If your pet shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately and let them know if it has been exposed to flood water or mud. Treatment with antibiotics is possible, but is most effective if started early.

Additionally, now is a good time to ask your veterinarian about leptospirosis vaccination.

“Pets are often the first indicator that leptospirosis is prevalent in a community, and after a flood event like this one, that risk becomes very real,” said Dr. Ariella Barry, veterinary medical officer for epidemiology and laboratory capabilities in the DOH Division of Disease Investigation.

“Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and can be passed from animals to humans, so if a companion animal gets sick, it’s not just a veterinarian’s problem. It’s a signal that other members of their family may be infected as well.” We encourage pet parents to take any signs of illness seriously, take their animals to a veterinarian right away, and notify your own health care provider if symptoms develop.”