Hawaii Issues Leptospirosis Warning After Kona Low Storm Floods

Hawaii DOH and HHS Advise Monitoring for Leptospirosis After Kona Low Storm Floods

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) are advising residents and recovery workers to monitor for leptospirosis symptoms following the recent "Kona low" storm floods.

Understanding Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a potentially serious bacterial illness that can affect both humans and animals.

It is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which are carried in the urine of infected animals such as rats, mice, mongoose, livestock, and dogs. The bacteria can enter the body through broken skin or through the mouth, nose, or eyes. Exposure can also occur through direct contact with the urine, blood, or tissues of an infected animal.

Increased Risk in Hawaii

Hawaii typically experiences high rates of leptospirosis due to its warm, wet climate. Flooding events, like the recent Kona low storm, can significantly increase the risk of exposure by spreading contaminated soil and water over a wider area.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear after an incubation period, but the timeframe can vary.

Human symptoms usually appear five to 14 days after exposure but can range from two to 30 days. These include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Jaundice (yellowed skin and eyes)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sometimes a rash

In pets, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Increased thirst and urination
• Muscle soreness or reluctance to move
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can indicate liver or kidney failure

Expert Recommendations

Dr. Lisa Labrecque, Chief Veterinarian at the Hawaiian Humane Society, noted that an elevated risk of leptospirosis in the community is typical after heavy rain and flooding.

She emphasized that early antibiotic treatment is effective for pets, but the disease can progress rapidly if left untreated.

If a pet exhibits signs of illness, veterinarians should be contacted immediately, and any exposure to floodwaters or mud should be reported. Pet owners are also encouraged to discuss leptospirosis vaccination with their veterinarian.

Dr. Ariella Barry, Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Veterinary Medical Officer with the DOH, highlighted that pets can serve as early indicators of leptospirosis circulation.

She explained that leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can transfer from animals to humans.

Therefore, an illness in a companion animal suggests that people in the household may also have been exposed. Pet guardians are advised to take any signs of illness seriously, seek veterinary care for their animals promptly, and inform their own healthcare provider if they develop symptoms.