By Ethan Covey
During a 15-week period following the landfall of Hurricane Fiona, cases of leptospirosis spiked in Puerto Rico, reaching levels more than 3.5 times the norm (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep2024;73[35]:763-768).
Leptospirosis, which is an acute bacterial illness, occurs year-round in Puerto Rico, with reported cases increasing after heavy rainfall and flooding. Approximately 10% to 15% of leptospirosis patients progress to severe, potentially fatal illness.
“Identifying