2nd leptospirosis case
suspected at UH

The state Health Department is investigating a possible second case of leptospirosis resulting from the cleanup at the University of Hawaii-Manoa after the Oct. 30 flood.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal disease commonly transmitted to humans by exposure to water or mud that is contaminated with urine from infected animals. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting, and may include jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash.

The patient is a graduate student who worked with the professor who came down with a confirmed leptospirosis case about two weeks ago, said Dr. Kate Gaynor, a spokeswoman for the disease investigation branch of the state Health Department.

Both patients cleaned up the same area of the Biomedical Sciences Building and fell ill about the same time. The graduate student was treated at an emergency room but was not hospitalized, Gaynor said. His professor was admitted to the hospital but is now doing fine.

Leptospirosis can be fatal. It is commonly transmitted to humans by exposure to water or mud that is contaminated with urine from infected animals.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea or a rash.

The bacteria is found in streams throughout the state, including Manoa Stream. Infection can take place when contaminated water enters the body through the mouth, nose, eyes or open wounds.

The second case came to the attention of the Health Department only recently, Gaynor said. The results of tests to confirm leptospirosis have not yet come back.

The Health Department and the university are asking people who worked on campus cleaning up after the flood to complete an online questionnaire, even if they do not show any symptoms.

The questionnaire is available at survey.health.state.hi.us/episurvey.asp.