Warning: Potential Health Threat from Leptospirosis Following Hawaii Floods
The health department in Hawaii, along with animal welfare organizations, are alerting the public and flood recovery teams to be watchful for signs of a bacterial infection called leptospirosis after recent flooding caused by a severe storm.
Leptospirosis, which can harm both humans and pets, is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. This bacterium is found in the urine of many infected animals, including rodents, livestock, and dogs.
Transmission of this bacterium occurs when it enters the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin, or through the mouth, nose, or eyes. It can also be spread through direct contact with the urine, blood, or tissues of an infected animal.
Hawaii's High Leptospirosis Risk
Due to Hawaii's warm, wet climate, the state already has one of the highest rates of leptospirosis in the nation. This risk becomes significantly amplified after flooding events, like the recent storm, which can disperse contaminated soil and water over a large area.
In humans, the symptoms usually start appearing five to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 30 days. These symptoms include fever, headache, chills, excessive sweating, muscle aches, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, a rash.
In pets, the symptoms of leptospirosis can manifest as fever, loss of appetite or lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, muscle soreness or reluctance to move, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, which may suggest liver or kidney failure.
Increased Risk After Flooding
"Following heavy rainfall and flooding, the risk of leptospirosis in our community usually goes up, and the recent storm is no exception," warned a leading veterinary doctor. "A lot of families were just trying to weather the storm, and their pets were right there with them in those harsh conditions. If your pet starts showing signs of illness in the coming days, it's crucial to promptly seek veterinary care. Early treatment with antibiotics can be effective, but if left untreated, this disease can progress rapidly and become life-threatening."
If your pets start showing signs of illness, it's advised to quickly contact a veterinarian and inform them if the pet has been exposed to floodwaters or mud. An antibiotic treatment is available and is most effective when commenced early.
It might also be a good time to consult your veterinarian about the leptospirosis vaccination for your pet.
Pets as Indicators of Leptospirosis
"Pets are often the first to show signs that leptospirosis is present in a community, and after a flooding event like this one, that risk becomes very real," noted a veterinary medical officer specializing in epidemiology. "Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. So, when an animal falls ill, it's not just a concern for the pet's health. It's an indication that the people in that household might have been exposed as well. We urge pet owners to take any signs of illness in their pets seriously, get them to a vet quickly, and let their healthcare provider know if they start developing symptoms too. Early detection leads to better outcomes for everyone in the family."