Two cases of imported leptospirosis involving a couple have been reported.  hey are in stable condition.

The patients, a 54-year-old man and his 53-year-old wife, developed fever, chills and muscle pains on April 11.

They were admitted to hospital on April 14. Their blood samples proved positive for leptospirosis today.

The patients and 26 other people travelled to Sabah, Malaysia from March 24 to 28. They took part in rafting and hiking activities during the five-day trip.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria leptospira. Leptospira organisms can be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs.

Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected mammals primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes, and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.

The disease is normally not transmitted from person to person and the incubation period is usually from four to 19 days.

Patients with leptospirosis will have a flu-like illness with a high fever, headache, muscle pains, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases, the disease can cause anaemia and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs. The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

Hong Kong has low incidence of leptospirosis

The incidence of leptospirosis is low in Hong Kong. There was one local case in 2001, two local cases in 2002, one imported case in 2003 and one imported and five local cases in 2004.

The Centre for Healh Protection said overseas outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually related to water exposure, such as water contaminated with urine of infected animals.

The Centre is contacting the other 26 members of the tour to screen them for symptoms, provide health advice and make referrals as necessary.

The risk of leptospirosis infection can be minimised by covering open wounds properly and avoiding contact with the urine of live mammals and objects contaminated by them as well as polluted water.