The first case of jaundice in rats (leptospirosis) has been officially confirmed in the Czech Republic. This was reported by the State Institute of Health of the Republic.
A 64-year-old man from the Moravian-Silesian region was reportedly swept away in mid-September and may have accidentally drank contaminated water. He did not consult a doctor until day 11 after the incident, complaining of leg pain, weakness, difficulty walking, and confusion. Blood tests confirmed the presence of leptospirosis and he was immediately started on antibiotics. The man is currently in the hospital.
As a reminder, jaundice in rats is transmitted through the urine and feces of infected animals, most often rats and mice, which are carried away by flood water. The disease affects a small number of people each year, but according to statistics, one person per year dies from this infection. After the 1997 floods, almost 100 people were infected, of whom four died. A similar situation occurred after the 2002 floods.
