About Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads when people encounter water, mud, or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. After a major storm, the bacteria can remain in pooled water for extended periods, increasing the risk of exposure to anyone working in flood-affected communities.
Volunteers can become exposed if polluted water encounters broken skin or enters their eyes, nose, or mouth. During disaster response, workers frequently navigate debris, wet areas, and damaged structures, which can be hazardous if they do not use appropriate protective equipment.
Why Risk Rises After Hurricanes:
Hurricanes often create widespread flooding, destroy sanitation systems, and disrupt normal animal habitats. These conditions make it easier for contaminated water to spread and harder for communities to avoid it.
Following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica reported confirmed cases of leptospirosis and additional suspected cases under investigation. Local health officials have cautioned that responders, cleanup teams, and people entering waterlogged areas face increased exposure.
Risk Factors:
Volunteers may be at greater risk when:
• Working in or near standing water
• Handling flood-soaked debris or mud
• Having cuts, scrapes, or open skin
• Wearing inadequate protective gear
• Entering areas with rodent activity
• Having limited access to clean water for handwashing
• Working long hours in contaminated environments
Even water from a shallow flood can be hazardous, since it might contain sewage, chemicals, or animal waste.
Symptoms Volunteers Should Watch For:
Leptospirosis symptoms may develop in days or weeks. Early symptoms may resemble the flu, so volunteers should pay attention to:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain, especially in the legs
• Tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Eye redness
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes in severe illness (jaundice)
Anyone who feels unwell after working in flooded areas should get medical care right away. Initial treatment leads to better outcomes.
Preventing Leptospirosis
Volunteers can reduce their chances of infection by:
• Avoiding floodwater whenever possible
• Wearing waterproof boots, gloves, and long protective clothing
• Keeping cuts and abrasions covered with waterproof bandages.
• Washing hands before eating or drinking
• Preventing contaminated water from touching the face
• Changing out of wet or soiled clothing promptly
• Using clean, safe water for hygiene
• Consulting a medical provider if high-risk exposure is unavoidable.
Proper personal protective equipment is essential for staying safe during disaster recovery work.
Vaccinations Before Traveling:
Before deployment, volunteers should confirm that routine immunizations are current. Key vaccinations include:
Routine Vaccines:
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Influenza
• Polio (as applicable)
Recommended for Jamaica:
• Hepatitis A — strongly advised all travelers.
• COVID-19 — ensure you have the most recent dose.
Depending on your assignment location, your provider may also recommend the Typhoid vaccine. There is no widely available vaccine for leptospirosis for international travelers, so prevention relies on protective measures and early symptom awareness.
Staying Healthy During Your Mission:
By staying updated on vaccinations, using protective gear consistently, and paying close attention to symptoms, volunteers can confidently and safely conduct their mission.
Sources
• CDC – Travel Health Information: Jamaica
• CDC – Leptospirosis: Signs, Symptoms & Prevention
• PAHO – Post-Hurricane Melissa Situation Updates
• Reuters – Leptospirosis Outbreak Reporting