ARS | Publication request: NICARAGUAN LEPTOSPIROSIS OUTBREAK ASSOCIATED WITH PULMONARY HEMORRHAGE

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 7, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: A high incidence of febrile illness was reported in rural Nicaragua associated during a period of high rainfall and flooding. During October and November, 1995, over 2000 cases of acute febrile illness occurred and 40 patients died of acute pulmonary hemorrhage. The Ministry of Health in Nicaragua and the Centers for Disease Control launched an investigation of the epidemic and determined the cause to be leptospirosis. Serologic profiles of patients indicated that leptospiral serovars in the Canicola serogroup, and to a lesser extent, Pyrogenes serogroup were involved in the outbreak. Leptospires were isolated from four humans, six dogs, one mouse, and one pig in the outbreak area. Definitive identification of the isolates is pending. Additional studies are underway to identify risk factors for disease and to formulate effective preventive measures.