A significant increase in Leptospirosis cases in Hawke’s Bay has resulted in National Public Health Service Registrar Matt Radford urging farmers to take the symptoms of the bacterial illness seriously.
Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria leptospira that lives in the kidneys and genitals of many types of animals. A person can get infected through contact with the urine of these animals or water that is contaminated by infected urine.
Symptoms usually start with flu-like symptoms within 2 to 14 days of getting exposed to the bacteria, but it could be up to 30 days before you have symptoms.
Radford said there had been a significant increase in Leptospirosis cases in Hawke’s Bay.
“The 35 cases we’ve had so far this year is more than double the number of cases we had for the whole of 2022.”
“Summer is usually very dry in Hawke’s Bay and as the leptospirosis bacteria survives longer in wet soil, wider leptospirosis outbreaks tend to be more common after heavy rain and flooding.
“We saw higher number of Leptospirosis cases through January, February and March which was likely due to the wet summer and the increased risk from flood waters during Cyclone Gabrielle.”
He said most cases have been farmers or other people in contact with livestock.
“It’s commonly picked up when people come into contact with the urine of infected animals or contaminated soil which can get into any uncovered cuts or grazes, or into the eyes, nose, or mouth. Rats and possums can also spread the disease.”
Central Hawke’s Bay farmer Steve Wyn-Harris felt like he’d been “run over by a herd of cattle” when he contracted Leptospirosis.
He is one of 35 people confirmed to have had the notifiable disease in the region this year.
Wyn-Harris is a sheep and beef farmer and believes he contracted Leptospirosis during lambing.
“I first thought it was a virus but then I remembered a mate telling me about his Lepto symptoms. I had incredible fatigue, headaches, aches, sweating and was shivering. It knocked the hell out of me and put me on my back for a good week.”
He visited his GP promptly and was given antibiotics. A blood test subsequently confirmed it was Leptospirosis.
Wyn-Harris hosts a weekly radio show The Cockies Hour on Central FM and has used this platform to tell his listeners about the prevalence to Leptospirosis in the community. Of the 35 cases this year, 13 have been in Central Hawke’s Bay alone.
“I’d heard of a number of farmers who had it and then I had my own experience so I thought it was timely to talk about it.”
Wyn-Harris invited Radford onto the show to tell listeners what to look out for and how to prevent it in the first place.
Radford said on average it takes about 10 days for the symptoms to develop and can make people very unwell with fevers, headaches, sore muscles, tummy pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and red eyes.
“It can be very serious, with half of the reported cases requiring hospitalisation this year and in rare cases it can result in death,” he said.
“As always, prevention is key. When working on the farm or around flood water make sure to cover any cuts and grazes and wash your hands well with soapy water before eating or drinking. It also pays to wear long pants and sleeves to protect your skin and use gloves when appropriate.”
Radford said while there is no vaccine available for people, farmers should discuss vaccinating their animals with their vet, which can reduce the disease’s effect on stock, and help protect farmers.
“If you become unwell with these symptoms, contact your GP and remind them that you are a farmer as these symptoms are similar to cold and flu symptoms. You can also ring Healthline (0800 611 116) for advice any time day or night.”
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