Since the start of the year, Reunion has seen a significant increase in cases of leptospirosis. Among the sick, we find farmers. There are nearly 63 cases who declared a profession related to agriculture.
Leptsoprise, or more commonly called rat disease, is currently plaguing the island.
Whether the kids who play in the ponds or the gramounes who water the yard in the morning, no one is spared the risk of contracting the disease.
People who work in a profession related to agriculture are particularly exposed. As Elsa Balleydier, epidemiologist at Santé Publique France, explains, “ARS data indicate that in one in three cases the profession declared by cases of leptospirosis in Reunion in 2024 is a profession linked to agriculture (farmer, market gardener, helper or agricultural worker, etc.)” .
According to figures from Public Health France, Reunion Island has recorded 220 cases since the start of the year (between 01/01/2022 to 05/15/2024). A downward trend seems to be emerging after 3 months of high levels, subject to data consolidation.
As of May 3, 204 cases were declared to the ARS. Leptospirosis is described as a seasonal epidemic of unprecedented scale.
Among the 192 cases for which the profession was provided, 63 cases declared a profession related to agriculture, specifies Elsa Balleydier.
But illness also kills.
“Since the start of the year, 1 death has been identified as directly linked to leptospirosis. 2 other deaths are still being analyzed, 1 of which concerns a farmer. An investigation committee has been set up to determine the attributability of these two deaths to leptospirosis”, adds the epidemiologist.
A necessary collective awareness
The presence of rats is more and more frequent in the fields. “We find them in dens, sometimes we catch 40 to 50 per field. In 2023, I killed 200 rats using traps. With erosion, we are affected by the invasion of rats”, declares Dominique Clain, president of the UPNA union, who already contracted the disease 5 years ago. With abandoned fields, farms or even lack of maintenance, rats are attracted to vegetation.
Treating and eradicating farms has a cost for the sector. “We are seeing an increase in the distribution of boxes from GDON (the Defense Group against harmful organisms, for example)”, explains Dominique Clain. Just like him, Guillaume Sellier, president of the Young Farmers union, maintains that it is necessary “Everyone work together to provide aid, with a more collective struggle.”
“We ask ourselves the question about the fight, is it still effective today? Previously the products were and now with the ban on certain substances for the protection of other species, raticides are less effective”, continues Guillaume Sellier.
Faced with the figures, farmers are “rather vulnerable, that’s why we have to work together with the communities so that everyone plays the game, it’s a real scourge and that also has an impact on the population. We need collective awareness.”
The president of the Young Farmers nevertheless wants to point out that people are not held back by leptospirosis when they want to get started.
Prevention above all
Faced with the increase in cases, the ARS of Reunion and Public Health France advise farmers to be vigilant about wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, boots or closed shoes, glasses, etc.). Regular hand washing is recommended. “A vaccine against leptospirosis exists. It is reserved for certain professional categories at risk or people regularly practicing risky recreational activities, after an assessment by a doctor. This vaccination complements preventive measures. adds the Regional Health Agency.
