Clinical Practice Guide and risk population ID card for monitoring and controlling leptospirosis.

Issue/problem: Leptospirosis is an endemic disease which is mandatorily notifiable in Spain. It is associated with occupational activities in which workers come into contact with rat urine. In our region, this disease’s rates of prevalence and incidence are highest among red swamp crayfish collectors (Procambarus clarkii) (RSCC). The increase in outbreaks of leptospirosis over the last 7 years has motivated us to design and implement a Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) for health workers, informational material for the general population, and ID cards and specific information aimed at RSCCs, as a means of reducing the incidence rate. The guide may also serve as a useful tool in other regions and countries with activities associated with Leptospira-infected wetlands. Description of the problem: The material we have designed is the result of a research project funded by the Consejería de Salud de Andalucía to identify leptospirosis incidence, prevalence, and risk factors among wetland RSCCs. Hardly any CPGs or informational material exist about this disease. The GPC and the educational material designed may be very useful in other environments with a high risk of leptospirosis. Results: Prevalence of the disease was higher among RSCCs than among the general population (9.8% vs 3.1%) (OR: 3.4; CI 95%: 1.1-12.7) and accumulated incidence was 17.4%. Less than half of the workers adopted appropriate individual preventive measures. Lessons: The risk of contracting leptospirosis is 3.4 times greater for the RSCC population than it is for the general population. Early detection and antibiotic therapy prevent aggravation of the disease in serious cases and may even prevent deaths. Education and the promotion of preventive measures among RSCCs reduces the risk of infection. The training of health professionals and the design of decision algorithms shorten and improve the quality of treatment for leptospirosis patients. Key messages: Early detection and antibiotic therapy reduce the incidence of severe forms of leptospirosis. The material designed will help the risk population to adopt preventive measures and seek medical attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]