Investigation and response to a large outbreak of leptospirosis in field workers in Lower Saxony, Germany

Abstract

Between June and August 2014, 45 cases of leptospirosis were notified among workers on two strawberry farms in North-West Germany. We describe the characteristics of the outbreak and the actions taken to prevent further cases. The activities of the local, federal and national public health and veterinary authorities included collection of case data, laboratory testing of human specimens and of small mammals trapped on the fields, investigation of weather data, as well as information provided to farmers, field workers, physicians and to the authorities in Poland and Romania. Of the 45 identified cases (median age 22, 60% male), 47% were hospitalized. Characteristic symptoms were fever ≥38.5°C, generalized muscle pain and an increase in renal or liver enzymes. Thirteen cases were laboratory confirmed by serological and/or molecular methods. ELISA tests for Leptospira IgG and IgM-antibodies were positive in those samples taken >5 days after hospitalization. The probable causative agent was identified as Leptospira kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa. Leptospira-specific DNA was found in kidneys of 67% of 64 trapped small mammals and was further identified as Leptospira kirschneri multi locus sequence type 110. During the estimated time period of human infections, the affected region faced warm weather with heavy rainfalls. The results of this investigation are in accordance with the theory of a chain of infection from mice to field workers during warm and humid weather. In 2015, a campaign was initiated to inform physicians, farmers and workers to enhance prevention measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment and early consultation of physicians in case of illness. Since then, no further outbreak occurred.