Health Officials on Alert as Dominica Confirms Fatal Case of Leptospirosis
Dominica’s Ministry of Health is intensifying surveillance and response measures following a recent surge in leptospirosis cases, including one confirmed death. National Epidemiologist Dr. Shallaudin Ahmed provided an update during a press briefing, revealing that ten suspected cases were hospitalized in March.
“Samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for PCR testing. Two cases have been laboratory-confirmed, one of which unfortunately resulted in death,” Dr. Ahmed stated.
He explained that the deceased male patient sought medical care at an advanced stage of the illness and succumbed to multiorgan failure, a severe complication associated with leptospirosis.
Dr. Ahmed warned that early symptoms—including fever, headache, and muscle pain—often mimic other common illnesses, making timely diagnosis difficult. He stressed that delays in testing and treatment can increase the risk of serious health outcomes.
In response, the Ministry of Health has begun administering antibiotics immediately to individuals with suspected infections, aiming to reduce the risk of severe complications.
“We are urging anyone who may have been exposed and begins experiencing symptoms to seek medical care without delay,” Dr. Ahmed said. “The earlier you come in, the better the chance we have to treat you effectively. Do not wait for signs like jaundice or the inability to urinate—by then, the disease may have progressed too far.”
Dr. Ahmed also noted that no leptospirosis cases had been recorded in 2024 until now, with the last known instance occurring after Hurricane Maria.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira and is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can affect both humans and animals, including dogs. Transmission typically occurs through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
wow!
U.S. investigators are going to be on Nugent Avenue/Old Parham Road on Friday. The TEN MILLION U.S DOLLAR MAN is gearing up to wine, dine and fool the poor silly souls while he pockets all that amount of money.