The epidemic reported here took place from November 30, 2006, through January 3, 2007, in a rural area of Tala-Athmane and led to the hospitalization of 48 patients with leptospirosis. It was due to the proximity of homes to two uncontrolled garbage dumps invaded by rodents. All 48 hospitalized cases were confirmed serologically, and more than 60% were serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae. More than 14.5% of the patients were contaminated during occupational exposure. The authors describe the clinical polymorphism of these cases and the severity of this infection when not treated early. Outcome was favorable in nearly 98% of the patients receiving antibiotic therapy.
Keywords: Algeria; Leptospira interrogans; leptospirosis; serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae; zoonosis.