Transcript:
In 2022, Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico, causing flooding throughout the island.
After the storm, the peak of Leptospirosis, a disease that can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, vomiting and even death.
The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are carried by mammals like rats, which can spread the bacteria into water or soil through urine.
When floods overflow, people can get infected by exposure to contaminated water.
Wunder: “There are several outbreaks in the world that are related to hurricanes or extreme events.”
Elsio Wunder of the University of Connecticut said the disease most often affects people living in warm climates and lacks safe and sanitary facilities.
Leptospirosis may become more common as climate changes.
Wunder: “We are getting warmer and warmer around the world, and there are more opportunities for extreme weather events.”
So, Wunder said it is important to stay safe and stay away from floods and other stagnant water.
There is no vaccine for Leptospirosis, but if captured in time, the disease can usually be treated with medication.
So, Wunder says if you have symptoms and may have been exposed, you should see a doctor and ask for testing for the disease.
Report Credit: Ethan Freedman/Chavobart Digital Media
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