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Leptospirosis: Don’t let it ruin your pa’ina

  • Published
  • By By SrA Tiffanie Gaines and Ms. Kia Meadows
  • 15th Medical Group Public Health
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  With the high amount of rainfall on the Hawaiian Islands, the risk of catching the leptospirosis bacterial disease is high.

Leptospirosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in Hawaii, averaging 30 to 40 cases per year. While everyone is susceptible to the disease, tourists are the most at risk.

"Tourists tend to be more at risk because they have less awareness of the local hazards, and have more free time to experience them," said Lt. Col. Chris Cieurzo, 15th Medical Group chief of Aerospace Medicine.

Maunawili Falls in the Kailua area of Oahu is one of the most popular areas where leptospirosis is found. The water becomes contaminated when rainfall washes the urine of infected rodents off of the rocks above the falls into the water. After hiking up the rocky trail, many people like to swim in the falls to cool off. If they consume the water, or if it gets into their eyes, nose or an open cut they can become infected. Exposure can occur other ways including coming into contact with food or soil that has been urinated on by infected animals.

"There are plenty of ways you can protect yourself against leptospirosis while hiking or swimming," said Tech. Sgt. Patricia Scott, 15th Aeromedical Dental Squadron Community Health Element Chief. "Research the area where you will be traveling to--if there have been a high number of reported cases, or signs posted, you should definitely avoid swimming. Do not go in the water if you have cuts or abrasions, and you should never submerge your head or swallow the water. When hiking it's also important to wear closed-toe shoes to avoid getting cuts on your feet, which can provide the bacteria an entry way into your body."

There are a wide range of signs and symptoms including high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. Without treatment leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, death.

Prevention of leptospirosis is very simple: do not swim or wade in the water if you suspect it might be contaminated, or if you see warning signs posted at common locations including Maunawili Falls. People who are at greater risk of exposure due to occupational or recreational activities should wear protective clothing and footwear. Contact your primary care manager if you suspect you may have leptospirosis so treatment can begin as early as possible.

For more information on leptospirosis and ways of prevention, contact Public Health at 448-6240.