Environmental and Behavioral Determinants of Transmission of Leptospirosis during the Nonrainy Season in a Metro City in India

Summary

Leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonosis predominantly reported post floods, has recently been increasingly reported during the nonrainy seasons. We studied 159 leptospirosis cases reported between January and May and identified environmental and behavioral factors. Most cases resided in tenement buildings (52.8%) with pooling of water around community taps, use of common bathrooms along with the presence of rodents, and solid waste dumps. Regardless of the season, water plays a crucial role in the transmission of leptospirosis. Rodent control measures need to be strengthened along with the management of water collection and solid waste management. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for leptospirosis year-round.