The Ministry of Health trained more than 800 health professionals across the country on March 19 in the prevention and control of leptospirosis. The training, conducted virtually by the Directorate General of Strategic Interventions in Public Health, aimed to strengthen healthcare response and timely management of leptospirosis cases.
This initiative is important as it seeks to improve early detection and clinical management of a disease that can pose significant public health risks, especially during periods when water accumulation increases exposure.
Participants received updated information on epidemiological surveillance, laboratory procedures, diagnosis and clinical management, as well as health promotion and communications. The content was aligned with national technical standards for comprehensive care for people affected by leptospirosis and directives for epidemiological surveillance of zoonotic diseases.
Experts highlighted the variables necessary for a presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis, including exposure factors and clinical criteria such as signs and symptoms. They also emphasized the importance of identifying warning signs to determine whether patients require outpatient care or hospitalization based on the severity classification—mild, moderate, or severe forms.
All specialists agreed on “the importance that early diagnosis has, only with exposure factors and clinical criteria; and the identification of warning signs for timely and efficient clinical management.”
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease transmitted by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, mainly rodents. People are at risk when they come into contact with contaminated water or soil—a risk that increases during times when water accumulates. Common symptoms include fever, intense muscle pain (especially in the lower back and legs), headache, red eyes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The Ministry urges people not to self-medicate and to visit their nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms.
