Leptospirosis Situation Report, Palau, January 2017– June 12, 2021

Prepared By: Celin Elewel CPH Intern

Case Overview Case Summary State Leptospirosis Cases by Month

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Leptospira.
Many of the symptoms of exhibited by those infected with leptospirosis are similar
to that of other diseases, such as dengue fever. Patients are sometimes
misdiagnosed due to the shared symptoms of leptospirosis and other diseases.
There are also cases where people are infected with leptospirosis are
asymptomatic and go undiagnosed. In the last 5 year period, however, there has
been an increase of positive leptospirosis cases.

Demographics
Leptospirosis Cases by Age group and Gender

Map of the Republic of Palau

Ngarchelong
Kayangel Prevention and Treatmeant
Ngaraard
The bacteria that causes leptospirosis is spread through the urine or saliva of infected
Ngardmau
animals, which can get into water or soil and survive there for weeks to months. Person-to-
Ngiwal person transmission of the disease is rare.
Ngaremlengui
Melekeok

Ngatpang
Ethnicity Count % Ngchesar
To reduce the risk of becoming infected with leptospirosis, one should:
Age range = 0 – 91 years BANGLADESH 16 18% Aimeliik
FILIPINO 1 1% • Not swim/wade in water that might be contaminated with animal urine
Mean age = 45 years OTHER ASIAN 8 9% Airai • Eliminate contact with potentially infected animals
Median age = 43 years OTHER MICRONESIAN 2 2% • Wear protective clothing and footwear when exposed to contaminated water or soil
PALAUAN 62 69% Koror • Don’t consume water or food that may be contaminated with the urine of infected animals
The majority of cases during UNKNOWN 1 1%
this 5 year period have been Total 90 One can be treated if they find themselves infected with the disease. Leptospirosis is treated
Palauan. with antioxidants such as penicillin or doxycycline, which should be given early in the course
Rock Islands of the disease. Intravenous antibiotics (IV) may be required for persons with more severe
Symptoms Southern
symptoms.
Lagoon

Some symptoms of leptospirosis include:

• High fever For questions about Leptospirosis and tips on how to prevent infection call the Communicable Disease
• Headache Clinic at 488-2450 , or the Division of Environmental Health at 488-6354.
• Chills
• Abdominal pain Peleliu
Sonsorol
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting

Sever cases of the disease may show symptoms such as jaundice ( yellow skin Hatohobei
and eyes), anemia and rashes. Angaur

Contact: Tmong Udui tmong.udui@palauhealth.org (680) 488-4772/4773

Legend
No cases
1 – 9 cases
10 – 19 cases
≥20 cases