While the number of cases of leptospirosis has reached 26 since the start of the year, chikungunya marks a slight decline. Mpox remains contained to two cases, while the Ebola epidemic in Africa is pushing Mauritius to activate a preventive protocol.
A new case of leptospirosis was detected this Monday, June 8, bringing the total number of cases recorded since the start of the year to 26. This is a woman in her twenties, admitted to Victoria Hospital in Candos. According to Dr Fazil Khodabocus, acting director of health services, his condition is “stable”.
The man previously admitted to SAJ hospital was able to return home after his condition improved. The disease, transmitted mainly by rodents, has caused six deaths since the start of the year.
On the chikungunya front, the situation seems to be improving. Dr Khodabocus reports a decrease in the number of new cases in recent days: from around a hundred weekly cases in recent weeks, the figure has fallen back to around 70 to 80.
The country nevertheless has just over 200 active cases, for a total of 5,431 cases reported since the start of the year. The most affected regions are currently Port-Louis and its surroundings – Cité La Cure, Roche-Bois, Sainte-Croix – as well as Bambous and Chebel. On the other hand, the Rose-Hill region, which was a major focus at the start of the year, is now recording a clear decline. In Rodrigues, 56 cases have been recorded since the start of the year and the island has seven active cases.
Dr Khodabocus specifies that few cases are reported in other localities, whether in the north, south, east or west. However, he urges the population to remain vigilant and to consult a doctor quickly in the event of joint pain, a characteristic symptom of the disease. The use of repellent products is also recommended.
The number of Mpox cases remains at two – one male and one female. The doctors in charge of their follow-up indicate that their condition has improved. However, it will still take around ten days before a complete recovery. Dr Khodabocus highlights the complexity of tracing in this type of epidemic: “Case tracing for this type of epidemic is more complex, because it is after being in close contact with an infected person that the disease is transmitted.” The exercise nevertheless continues around these two cases.
Acute respiratory infections are, on the other hand, currently on the rise: 4,424 cases were recorded during the week of June 1 to 7, compared to 4,148 the previous week. Dr Khodabocus anticipates a continuation of this trend with future temperature drops.
He strongly encourages people who have not yet received their flu vaccine – particularly those with comorbidities, the elderly, young children and pregnant women – to do so as soon as possible to avoid possible
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