Deadly leptospirosis outbreak reported in Dagupan City, Philippines

Prolonged flooding due to monsoon rains in coastal Dagupan City in Pangasinan Province has led to an outbreak of leptospirosis. Health authorities have reported 24 cases, 7 of whom have died due to this infection. Leptospirosis is acquired through skin exposure (especially if there are open wounds) to water or damp soil that has been contaminated by an infected animal’s urine. For travellers, this exposure usually occurs through recreational water activities, like whitewater rafting, swimming, kayaking or during floods. The risk of acquiring leptospirosis is higher after a period of heavy rainfall or flooding.