Health officials are urging residents to avoid leptospirosis amid reports of the rodent-borne virus in neighbouring islands.
“Puerto Rico has a number of suspected cases and the [United States] Virgin Islands has confirmed one case,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ronald Georges said.
The bacteria that cause leptospirosis spread through the urine of infected rats and other animals, according to government.
Residents are urged to protect all food and drinking water against contamination. Fresh vegetables and fruit should be washed in clean water and then cooked or peeled, and drinking water should be boiled unless it is known to be safe, according to government. Tins, cans and bottles should be washed before they are opened.
Leptospirosis symptoms — which include fever, rash, headaches, vomiting and flu-like feelings — generally go away after a few days, but sometimes the virus progresses into a severe illness over five to seven days.
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