Health officials warn of leptospirosis risk after Hawaii floods

Key Points:

• The Hawaii Department of Health and Hawaiian Humane Society are warning residents and recovery workers to watch for leptospirosis symptoms following flooding from the recent “Kona low” storm, as the bacteria can spread through contaminated water and soil.
• Leptospirosis, caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals like rats and dogs, can infect humans through broken skin or mucous membranes, with symptoms appearing 2 to 30 days after exposure, including fever, headache, jaundice, and muscle aches.
• Pets exposed to floodwaters may show signs such as fever, lethargy, vomiting, increased thirst, and yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can indicate serious organ damage; early veterinary treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Officials emphasize that leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, so pet illnesses may signal human exposure, and both pet owners and healthcare providers should be vigilant for symptoms and seek prompt medical care.
• The agencies recommend discussing leptospirosis vaccination with veterinarians as a preventive measure, especially in Hawaii’s warm, wet climate where the disease is more prevalent and flooding events increase exposure risks.