Influence of Rainfall on Leptospira Infection and Disease in a Tropical Urban Setting, Brazil

• DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.190102
• Publication Date: 2019-12-30T14:09:27Z
• Authors: Kathryn P. Hacker; Gielson A. Sacram...; Jaqueline S. Cruz; Daiana de Oliveira; Nivison Nery; Janet C. Lindow; Mayara Carvalho; Jose Hagan; Peter J. Diggle; Mike Begon; Mitermayer G. Reis; Elsio A. Wunder; Albert I. Ko; Federico Costa
• Keywords: Tropical Medicine; Tropical disease; Tropical climate

The incidence of hospitalized leptospirosis patients was positively associated with increased precipitation in Salvador, Brazil. However, Leptospira infection risk among a cohort city residents inversely rainfall. These findings indicate that, although heavy rainfall may increase severe illness, exposures can occur year-round.