EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF LEPTOSPIROSIS IN SERBIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify main epidemiological risk factors for the Leptospirosis at territory of Serbia. The cross sectional study was used as epidemiological method during investigation. During period of 2000-2006. Leptospirosis affected 211 people, while 14 of them died as a consequence of this illness in Serbia. Number of patients with Leptospirosis was almost equal at the territory of Central Serbia and Vojvodina region, while at Serbian enclaves in Kosovo and Metohija there was no single case of sickness. Most of the affected patients were working people, males between 20 and 60 years old (97%) with higher risk factor for contamination with disease determined by their profession (farmers, fishermen, veterinarians. Seasonal character of illness (most of the affected in August) was caused by increased exposition to Leptospirosis in summer time (swallowing of contaminated water during swimming and diving, small wounds on skin etc)