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

Abstract

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

Keywords

• leptospirosis
• Leptospira
• bacteria
• public health
• epidemiology
• urban epidemiology