Attachments
Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Leptospirosis, an acute bacterial zoonotic disease, can progress to severe, potentially fatal illness. Increased incidence has been associated with flooding in areas around the world where the disease is endemic.
What is added by this report?
In 2022, a large leptospirosis outbreak occurred in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona made landfall. Proactive public health response activities leveraged existing surveillance and laboratory capacity. The increase in reported cases was likely the result of a combination of widespread exposure to contaminated water and increased testing.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Robust laboratory and epidemiologic surveillance combined with outreach to health care providers after flooding events can improve leptospirosis case identification, inform clinicians considering early initiation of antibiotic therapy, and guide public messaging to avoid contact with floodwaters.